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$ the Practical Dairyman 

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FLOWER QUERIES 



¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ 



500 Questions on Practical Floriculture Answered 
and Topics Discussed. 



A Practical Book Written in the form of Questions 

and Answers on the Cultivation and Care 

of In-Door and Out-Door Plants 

and Flowers. 



J 






Price 23 Cents. 



NOV 9 

[COPYRIGHT 1896, BY J. W. DARfiOW.l 



Chatham, N. Y., 

THE COURIER PRESS, 

1896. 



PREFACE. 



In presenting to the public this little book on floriculture we 
indulge the hope that it will prove practically helpful to those 
who are interested in the care and culture of flowers. It does 
not claim to be more than it is. In it one will not find every 
question that might be asked in floriculture, but we have pre- 
sented as many topics as a book could be expected to contain at 
the small price which is asked for it, and we have tried to make 
a judicious selection of topics. The style in which "Flower 
Queries" is written (i. e., questions and answers), permits of the 
succinct, practical treatment of the topics named, and the reader 
may rely implicitly on the authoritativeness of the answers 
given. This is not saying that the culture and treatment rec- 
ommended herein for any given plant or flower is the only correct 
one; there may be others, but those methods given are drawn 
from experience and are practical, though they may not always 
be the best, and yet we believe them to be as good as what 
others may deem the "best." 

The division of the matter into chapters is somewhat arbi- 
trary, and yet for convenience of reference it will be found all 
that is necessary to the purpose. 

That there is a demand for such a little treatise on flower 
culture as this, there seems to be good reason to believe. We 
have tried most satisfactorily this popular method of treating 
such subjects by questions and answers in our other little books 
written in the same style, viz., " Five Hundred Questions and 
Answers on Poultry Culture," "Questions and Answers on Cattle 
and the Dairy," and "Pigeon Queries," all of which have had a 
large sale. We ask the reader not to expect too much of 
"Flower Queries," but take it as it is, "for better or for worse." 

THE PUBLISHER. 

5> 



CHAPTER I. 



Soil and General Cultivation. 



"CleaVe tl\e tougk; greel\sWarcj Witl\ tk^ spacje - . 
Wic|e let it5 follow t>c4 be h\a^e; 
Tl\ere gervtly lay tke roots, a(\cj tl\ere 
Sift tKe dark mould Witk kirvd'y calre, 
At\d press it o'er tketn tenderly." 

Bryarvt. 



Enriching Sandy Soil — What is the best 
way of enriching' a sandy soil? 

Sandy soil requires plenty of 
rich, well-rotted stable manure and 
with this some heavy clay or marl. 



Show Beds.— What plant-; should be used 
'in show beds ? 

Any plant that will look well massed. 
Many varieties of foliage plants, close- 
growing, flowering plants, but nothing 
that needs to stand alone to show its 
beauty. 



Improving Clayey Soil.— What can be done 
to improve clayey soil ? 

An admixture of sand and leaf 
mould, muck, or any kind of decayed 
vegetable matter, will greatly improve 
clayey soil. Add to this a generous 
.supply of decomposed stable manure 
and von will have a good garden soil. 



Frozen Plants. — What is the best way of 
saving plants touched bylrost? 

Darken them. Not partial dark- 
ness, but absolute and entire. Close 
every single avenue of light, exclude 
every ray and leave them to thaw 
gradually, according to nature's own 
plan. Give heat very gradually, and 
do not restore the light until the 
gradual change in temperature from 
natural or artificial causes, shows by 
the thermometer that they have 
warmth enough for a thaw. It is the 
sudden transition from cold to heat 
that bursts the cellular tissues of plants 
and destroys them after freezing. 



Sowing Flower Seeds.— How Should 

seeds be sown? 

A hotbed is the best place to start 
tender seeds: hardier kinds may be 
sown in cold frames. Perhaps the 
most important part of sowing seeds 
either in hotbeds or open ground is 
the covering. There is much less risk 
in covering too little than too much. 
As a rule the smaller the seeds the 
more lightly they should be covered. 



Depth of Soil— What should be the con- 
sistency and depth of soil in flower beds? 

The consistency anil fertility of soil 
is of first consideration. It should lie 
rich, light and mellow, yet retentive 
enough not to dry out too quickly. 
To attain the best results with flowers. 
the soil in the beds should be not less 
than lb' inches to two feet deep. 



Starting Cuttings.- What is the simplest 
way of starting cuttings? 

Take a pan or dish about three 
inches deep, place it on the window 
ease where it will receive the full light 
of the sun. Fill the pan nearly to the 
top with sand, make the sand very 
wet. of the consistency of mud. The 
cuttings are to be inserted in the sand 
and kept very wet. never being al- 
lowed to become dry for a moment: 
if neglected in this respect the plants 
will surely be lost. Drainage is not 
necessary for the short period of time 
required for rooting. Evaporation 
will carry off moisture almost too 
rapidly, to say nothing of drainage. 



Flower Queeies. 



Veiy Small Seeds.— How should very small 

- 1)2 MIlVIl ? 

Very lightly. They should simply 
be strewn thinly over smooth soil and 
not covered at all. In sowing seeds in 
pots it is a good plan to place the pot 
in lukewarm water, not dee]) enough 
to run over the brim, until the soil is 
thoroughly soaked. Then place the 
pot in a warm position, covered with 
a plate of glass and well shaded for a 
few days. 



Snil for Potted Flams.— How should the 
soil be prepared for plants in pots? 

Soil of light, friable texture, such as 
may be collected about fence corners 
where leaves have decayed, is essential 
for the most successful culture. It 
should be sifted through a sieve with 
half inch meshes. When the plants to 
be potted require a little more enrich 
ing, put the heavier part of the soil at 
the bottom of the pot filling up with 
the well-sifted, light soil. 



Starting Delicate Seeds.— What is the 
surest way ut starting very delicate seeds'.' 

Fill a common flower pot with fine 
loam and scatter the seeds over the 
surface, which should be first finely 
pulverized, and by jarring the pot 
settle the seeds well among the parti 
cles of soil. Do not press or pack the 
surface or any other part of the soil, 
but settle moderately by jarring the 
pot. Set the pot in shadow water, in 
a warm, sunny window, and keep 
sufficient water at the base of the pot 
to keep the surface of the soil wet. 



Re-potting Plains. — Is there ary special 
rule for or way of re-potting plants? 

There is a great difference in plants. 
Some need to be set well down in the 
soil with a little groove about the base 

of the plant where the water will run, 
and so give water close to the stalk. 
Others utterly refuse to grow under 
such treatment, and almost before 
you know it they will have rotted off, 
and your plant is dead with no seem- 
ing cause. You will, however, find 
that it has rotted off at the base. The 
common Geranium, the Abutilon, the 
Chinese Hibiscus, all like to he set 

well into the soil, ami no great harm 
is done if there is a lowering of soil 
about the stalk. The Chinese Prim- 
rose, the Begonia and other succulent 
plants must be set up well, for they 
will not bear too much wetting above 
the base. Both plants mentioned 
above dislike water upon the leaves' 
too. The Amaryllis Johnsonii, the 
Sea Onion and many such plants need 
setting on top of the soil. There will 
be roots and these must he covered, 
but the bulbs must be placed well on 
top of the earth if you wish them to 
succeed. Palms may be shifted occa- 
sionally, but this should never be done • 
while they are resting. It is never 
best to re-pot a plant when it is dor- 
mant, as this frequently causes death. 



Watering Foliage of Flauts.— Is it well to 

wet the foliage of plants every day ? 

No. When watering plaids avoid 
wetting the foliage as much as possi- 
ble, as they will not bloom as freely as 
if the leaves were dry, except in cases 
of plants troubled with insects, for 
which many rules of spraying and 
syringing, even dipping in hot water, 
are given elsewhere. 



Transplanting, Method of. —What is the 
best method of transplanting? 

A trowel is indispensible to lift the 
little plants so as to keep some soil 
around the tender little roots. Mois- 
ture is of first essential, and the best 
way to apply that is to puddle the soil 
where tlie transplants are to go. Then 
gently cover with dry soil and firm it 
a little around each. Shade with 
broad leaves or little leafy branches 
for a few days. 



Frost-Bitten liedded Plants. — How may 
frost-bitten beds of plants be saved? 

Whole beds of tender plants may be 
saved from death by early frost by 
rising before sunrise and completely 
drenching the leaves with water, im- 
mediately covering the plants with 
sheets, until all trace of frost is ^one, 
when they may be exposed to the light. 



Layering Plants. — What plants may be 
multiplied by layering? 

The list is long if given in full. 
Moss Roses, most of our hardy shrubs, 
Chrysanthemums, Heliotropes. Ver- 
benas, nearly all kinds of hardy vines, 
such as the Clematis, Honeysuckle, 
Wistaria and many others are a par- 
tial list. In layering tender plants 
like Heliotrope, Verbenas, etc., it is 
often well to plunge pots a little way 
in the ground at the side of the main 
plant, that the branches need not be 
severely bent. 



Boil and General Cultivation. 



Transplanting Seedlings. — How should 
seedlings be transplanted V 

Take the small seedlings and set 
them out closely in boxes or in a well- 
prepared little plot, where they ean 
be shaded with branches till they get 
started again. 



Watering Plants in Saucers. — Is it better 

to water plants from the saucer than from 
the top V 

Decidedly better. The roots will 
drink up the moisture from the saucer 
as they need it. While a plant watered 
from the top may remain wet two or 
three days unless the air in the room 
is very hot and dry. 



■Wintering Heliotrope and Salvias. — Can 

Heliotrope and Salvia be wintered in cellars ? 

They can. Heliotrope roots. Gerani- 
ums, Salvias and even some Roses and 
Carnations, may be well kept in eel 
lars, trenched in moderately moist 
.sand. Many of these plants too large 
for window gardens may in this way 
be saved for another season. 



Watering Potted Plants.— Can you give 

any general directions as to watering plants ? 

The tendency is to give plants, par- 
ticularly in-doors. too much water. 
They should be watered when they 
need it. One authority has given this 
rule: "It will be evident that they 
require wetting if. on digging the earth 
in the pot it crumbles to pieces like 
dust; a sure sign is to knock on the 
side of the pot. near the middle, with 
the finger-knuckle. If it gives forth 
a hollow ring, the plant needs water: 
if there is a dull sound, there is still 
moisture enough to sustain the plant. 
Plants must not be wet more than 
once or twice a day; on dry. clear days 
they require more water than on damp, 
cloudy days. ( >n the other hand, the 
earth must not be allowed to dry out 
entirely, for that is also very injuri- 
ous. In wetting them, the water must 
be poured on in such a way that it 
will run out again through the whole 
in the bottom of the pot. If the earth 
gets too dry. it is best to place the pot 
in water, so that the water will satu- 
rate the soil very gradually." 



Temperature of Window Garden. — What 
temperature is best for a successful window 
garden ? 

This question of temperature can- 
not be answered independently of the 
question of atmosphere. As careful 
a writer as James Sheehan, says: 
" Plants will not flourish, bloom, and 
be healthy, in a dry. dusty atmos- 
phere, even though the best of care 
otherwise may be bestowed upon 
them; hence it is that those who at- 
tempt to raise plants in their dwell 
ings meet with so little success. There 
is an immense contrast between the 
atmosphere of a well-regulated green- 
house and that of an ordinary dwell- 
ing. In the green-house, the atmos- 
phere is moist and well-tempered to 
the healthful growth of plants: while 
that of the parlor or sitting-room is 
invariably dry and dusty, and plants 
will not flourish in it as they would in 
the conservatory. If the dwelling be 
heated by coal, there is more or less 
gas constantly discharged into the air 
of the room, which is of itself enough 
to destroy vegetation, or make it 
sickly. Houses heated by steam, are 
better adapted to the cultivation of 
plants." A moist atmosphere and 
temperature not above 80 degrees by 
day nor below 00 degrees at night is 
safe for most house plants. 



Replanting Perennials.— When is tin 

time to plant perennials? 

After a good, soaking rain is an ex- 
cellent time to divide ami transplant 
spring-blooming plants: it gives thein 
an opportunity to establish themselves 
before winter sets in. Plants with 
thick roots, and which die down in 
winter, may be transplanted with 
good success any time before winter 
sets in. 



Heliotrope Cuttings.— How can Heliotrope 

cuttings be successfully rooted? 

Take young, growing shoots and 
place them in good soil — loam two 
parts and sand one — place them in a 
strong light in a temperature of 60 
degrees and keep them moderately 
moist. When rooted, place them in a. 
sunny window, keep moist and a 
wealth of flowers will follow. 



Manure Water.— Will manure-water agree 
with all plants? 

No. Apply manure water to strong, 
vigorous, rapidly-growing plants as 
you would give strength-producing 
food to a hard-working man. Strong 
plants can stand it. but poor, dyspep- 
tic plants cannot digest strong food; 
they require a light diet. 



6 



Flowek Queries. 



Ammonia.— Is ammonia a good plant toad'.'' 

Yes. It is used one tablespoonful in 
about eight quarts of water, and the 
plant watered with the solution. 



Layering-, Manner of. — What is the correct 
process of layering ? 

Bend the branch to be layered as 
low down as possible to prevent too 
acute a bend. In handling woody 
plants give a slight cut or twist at tin- 
point where roots are desired to arrest 
the flow of sap at this place. Bend 
the branch carefully down and after 
having been firmly pegged to keep it 
in place, cover with dirt, leaving the 
end or tip of the branch exposed. 
Only the middle of the branch con- 
taining- the cut or abrasion should be 
covered. When these layers fail to 
produce roots by fall they should be 
left undisturbed, as another season 
will rarely fail to give good roots. 
Roots ought to form in a month. 



Transplanting from Pots. — How should 

plants be handled in transplanting- from pots? 

Turn them bottom side upward on 
your left hand and rap sharply with 
the rim of the pot against a. table or 
box. and the ball of earth will fallout. 
Loosen the roots gently and shake 
them out slightly. Have the larger 
pot ready with soil well moistened. 
Set the plant into the soil a little 
deeper than it was in the pot. Press 
the earth firmly around the stem of 
the plant, protect from the sun and 
you will not lose a plant. 



Layering. Season of.— What is the proper 
season for layering- ? 

Any time during the summer will do 
for plants containing no hard fibre. 
The fibre of woody plants, such as 
shrubbery, should contain sufficient 
sap to prevent their breaking when 
bent over. 



Changing colors of Flowers.— Is there 

any way of coloring liow< rs while mowing- by 
the use dt vegetable pigments? 

According to the view stated by 
August Vogel, in Popular Science 
Monthly, tannin is an important factor 
in the generation of vegetable colors; 
it is found in almost every plant, the 
petals not excepted., and by the action 
of the most varying re-agents — alka- 
lies, earths, metallic >alts. etc. — it as- 
sumes the most manifold hues, from 
pale rose to deep black. A darker 
color, therefore, is produced in flowers 
rich in tannin, when manured with 
iron salts, since, as everybody knows, 
tannin and iron salts dye black and 
produce ink. A practical use has been 
made of this fact in the raising of 
Hydrangeas and Dahlias. The former. 
which in ordinary soil blossomed pale 
red, became sky blue when trans- 
planted into soil heavily manured with 
iron ochre, or when occasionally 
watered with a dilute alum solution. 



Preserving Seeds. — What is the besl way of 
prest rving seeds '.- 

Tie them in bags and hang them 
upon wires in a dry. cold place, hang- 
ing them about three feet from the 
ceiling to be safe front mice. Seeds 
will not be injured by the severest 
cold if atmosphere be pure and dry. 



Soil for Potted Plants.— When one cannot 
gel at loam, peat, sand and manure for the 
different plants, how can they have goo 

for window gardens V 

Procure good mellow garden soil 
which is neither sand, clay nor gravel; 
this will answer for nearly all kin 
plants. After plants have grown vig- 
orously some months in the pots, it 
may be well to remove a little of the 
earth from the top and till up with 
fresh soil. When one cannot get at 
good manure or compost of any kind, 
it is well to use ammonia — a weak 
sol i it ion— using it a few days in suc- 
cession only, and always being careful 
not to sprinkle the leaves. 



Wintering Plants in Cellars. — How should 
plants be treated for wintering in cellars? 

As the object of wintering plants in 
cellars is to allow them to be dormant 
all winter, it is not necessary to give 
them any water, but keep the soil as 
dry as possible and not allow the 
plants to shrivel or wither. The 
leaves of all deciduous plants should 
be removed before they are put away 
in this manner. 



Turning Window Plants. — How 

should window plants be turned ? 

They should be turned every few 
days so that every part may equally 
enjoy the light. This treatment, to- 
gether with judicious pruning, will 
give better shaped plants and more 
blossoms than can possibly be ob- 
tained from one-sided plants produced 
by the never turn method. 



Soil and General Cultivation. 



Composts and Manures.— What makes the 
best compost ? 

In every garden there should be a 
place set apart for keeping manure, 
loam, peat and rotted leaves in, and 
those who have compost or heaps of 
any kind of fertilizers should hear in 
mind that manure and leaves r'eqnire 
the most frequent turning over to pre- 
vent their heating too much. Should 
either appear dry, wet them thoro- 
ughly with water, or what is Letter, 
with the liquid from the barn-yard 
manure pile, the slops from the house. 
or, if there is such a thing near, the 
water from a stagnant pool or ditch. 
Every time this heap is turned over 
cover it up with a coating of earth. 
This will check the escaping gases 
which are the best part of the manure. 
If you can procure such a tiling as a 
bushel or two of lime it will materially 
assist the decomposition of the heap 
and greatly increase its litness for 
vegetable food. Make this head as 
large as you can. It is the richness of 
your garden; without it, even with 
the best of management, your flowers 
will be poor and unsatisfactory. With 
it liberally applied, they will lie rich 
in color and odor. Search, therefore, 
for material to increase its bulk as 
you would for gold in California. It 
i> better than any of The wild chemi- 
cal schemes now Too prevalent in this 
country. It has heen tried and proven 
for centuries and sTands Today The 
best fertilizer. 



Sand in Plant Culture.— Is not sand a very 
essential element to success in floriculture — 
even equal to fertilizer ? 

Some say they would sooner omit 
The fertilizer Than sand if they had To 
make a choice. Amateurs don't give 
it the attention it demands. Plenty 
of sand prevents the soil from becom- 
ing heavy and sour. It allows the air 
to peneTrate to The roots easily, and 
The water To run out readily. 



manure tor Foiled Plants.— Is it well to 
use manure for potted plants? 

Only in small quantities and when 
the manure has been well rotted and 
then sifted several times. 



Ammoniacal Carbonate of Cupper. -How 
is the ammoniacal carbonate ol copper pre- 
pared ? 

Take a half pint of spirits of am- 
monia, add Three fourths of an ounce 
of carbonate of copper. Shake until 
The copper-carbonate dissolves. I)i 
lute this amount to six gallons. 



Poultry manure for Plants.— Would you 

advise the use ol' poultry manure in the flower 
garden ? 

This fertilizei is not extensively 
used because it is not fully appreciated. 
It is a very powerful plant stimulanl 
being very rich in ammonia. It 
should be composted with turf. muck. 
decayed leaves or other absorbents. 
Store it in barrels and reduce it to a 
powder before applying To the plant. 
This compost may be dissolved in 
water and applied in solution when iT 
acts more powerfully than when dry. 



Aquatics, e oil for.— What is the Inst soil 
tin' growing aqual >< e 

We (pioTe Iron: James Sheehan 
"The best soil for growing aquatics, 
is That obtained from The bed of a 
pond, or a slow, swampy stream, but 
when this is not readily obtainable, a 
mixture of equal parts of good, rich 
garden loam and stable manure will 
be almost as good Some use a mix- 
ture of muck and bog peat, from 
which they claim very satisfactory 
results in grov . _ iqual ithev 

can be used with gOOd succ ■ 



Commercial Fertilizers.— To what extent 
should commercial t'ertil zers be used on 
plants ? 

Care must be used in applying them 
as they are powerful and if too much 
is placed among the roots, it will kill 
the plant. Liquid manure may be 
used with good effect on plants en- 
feebled by blooming, and it is a good 
fertilizer To have on hand at all Times. 
This may be applied with greater 
fre< dom Than commercial fertilizer, 



Special Soils.— Is not too much stress usu- 
ally laid on the requirements Ol :i sp< 
prepared soil fordiff< rent plants 

Possibly it is so. Most plants will 
thrive in a soil composed of a mixture 
of turfy loam, garden mold, well- 
rotted manure, and sharp -and. in the 
proportion of one third of loam, one 
third garden seal, and the other third 
made up of tin manure and sand. 
For strong-rooted plants add less sand 
than for those having many small 
roots. Most plants will do well in al- 
most any good soil. It is astonishing 
how readily plants accommodate 
themselves to circumstances different 
from those in their natural si 



CHAPTER II. 



Bidbous Plants. 



"So l\oW you Walk'c) be-si<4c al\ ocjorou-s fc>ec| 
Of cjorxjeou-s Hues, purfjle, ahcj g°M, ar\4 ^C^-" 

Leigk Hu>\t. 



Cyclamen Seed*.— Do Cyc!arnen seeds prop- 
agate readily? 

J! 'The seeds propagate readily and 
there is no difficulty in raising- bulbs: 
however, the bulbs cost SO little and 
bloom so soon after planting that we 
recommend The purchase of bulbs. 



Gloxinias, Propagation of. — How sin mid 
Gloxinias be started from leaves? 

Take a shallow pan, with holes for 
drainage, and filled with sandy soil: 
insert the leaf stems full length around 
the edges of the pan. Place it in a 
warm, shady place and keep it rather 
moist When the leaf has dried up, 
young tubers will haveformed. These 
should be left undisturbed during the 
winter, giving just water enough to 
keep alive. In early spring bring into 
the light, water more frequently and 
pot as i hey become large enough 



Gloxinia*. 
t h e G i o s 



-What ,11 e t it ■ requirement ■ 



i J 



Gloxinias succeed best in partially 
shaded places, protected from rains 
and strong wind, yetthej likeawarm, 
moist atmosphere. It requires great 
care and patience to grow them from 
Thi seei I so we w >uld advise our 
readers b buy the tubers. These 
should be potted in sandy soil and 
kept but moderately moist until 
growth commences, when they should 
be transferred into larger pots with 
good, rich soil. Leal mould and well 
rotted manure make a good compost, 
but directly around the tuber should 
be a handful of very sandy soil. After 
blossoming they should be dried off 
and kept dormant until anotherseason. 



Chinese Primroses.— Will Chinese Prim- 
roses that have bloomed in the winter bloom 
again in the summer? 

They will if after the winter bloom- 
ing they are given a little rest by being 
set aside and given just water enough 
to keep the tiny rootlets from becom- 
ing too dry. As soon as the frost is 
past, give them a shady spot and 
plenty of water and they will bloom 
all summer. In repotting the Prim- 
rose, part of the old roots should be 
removed. With fairly good soil the> 
require very little additional fertilizer. 



The Iris.— When should the Iris !>e planted 
out ? How often should bulbs be re-planted? 

In autumn, about October; in a 
light, well-drained soil ; treat them ex- 
actly like other Dutch bulbs, covering 
the bed with a mulch as winter conies 
on, uncovering in the spring. It is 
however, necessary every few years to 
take up the bulbous species after the 
leaves have faded, and to replant 
them, as the new bulbs annually 
formed are below the old. 



Begonias, Culture 
fonias require a sunny 



hadj 



Tuherons 

Tiilii'PHis Be; 
place - 

One may truly say either, for they 
do well iii the sunshine and in the 
shade. Tlie sunshiny blossoms may 
be a tint richer, but the shady ones 
are just as free and pretty. It is in 
every respect a most generous plant ; 
it begins to blossom when only a few 
inches high and never ceases, and the 
more the blossoms are cut the more 
there are to follow. The amount of 
bloom from one thrifty plant is little 
short of marvellous. 



Bulbous Plants. 



Alpine Violet. — How long is the season of 
< ho Alpine Violet ? 

From four to five months and a 
most charming little flower it is. It 
adds a. charm to any collection of 
plants. The broad, heart-shaped 
leaves, handsomely variegated with 
lighter shades, vigorous and freely 
produced in a graceful crown that 
covers and overlaps the jar, is hand- 
some before the pink and white 
blossoms appear. The blooms are 
particularly graceful in the manner 
in which they are disposed upon the 
stem. Butterfly-like, tremulous and 
nodding with each stir of air, white 
tipped and bordered with what one 
calls "purplish -pink," another crim- 
son-lake." but what in its beauty is 
like the intermingled roseate hue of 
the apple blossom of spring time. 
This unique little bulbous plant 
crowns the foliage with masses of 
bloom. 

Cyclamen Bulb's.— How should Cyclamen 

Bulbs be planted i 

The crown of the Cyclamen must 
be above the surface of the soil. 
Other bulbs require to be covered to 
the depth of several inches, but this 
one demands exposure to the air. 
Allow the crown to project a half inch 
above the soil else it will deeav. 



Spider JLilie 
bloomers? 



Are Spider Lilus free 



Yes. If you have never had a Spider 
lily get a bulb at once. The large 
bud grows slowly till ready to burst. 
disclosing smaller buds ready to 
develop into perfect flowers. They 
are very interesting when just ready 
to open, as they are closely folded bud 
will suddenly be seen to move and in 
less than Ten minutes fully developed 
blossoms are before you filling the air 
with most delightful fragrance. 



Agapanthus. — What soil shou'd he usi <1 for 
the best growth of the Agapanthus ? 

Good loam, with a little rotted ma- 
nure, is all that is necessary to start 
them growing strongly. As they make 
strong, fleshy roots, they require an 
abundance of water and a liberal sup- 
ply of clear manure water while 
flowering. After the summer and fall 
blooming 1 out of doors, the Agapan- 
thus should be given rest in a cool 
room or cellar, safe from frost. 



Holland Bulbs. — Are Tulips. Jonquils, 
Narcissuses and Hyacinths entirely hardy? 

All of the above-named bulbs are 

entirely hardy and will stand in the 
ground without any surface protect) >n 
through the severest winters. 



Tuberous Begonias. Varieties of.— Pleas< 
name some of the choice varieties of Tuber- 
ous Begonias. 

Begonia Rubia. President Carnot, 
Begonia Vernon. Begonia Evansiana, 
Dewdrop Begonia. 



Crocus, Forcing the. — Will Crocuses stand 
forcing? How used to the best advantage? 

Severe forcing must not be at- 
tempted. They are naturally an out 
of door bulb, and while a few may be 
planted in shallow boxes and then 
lifted into hanging baskets or fancy 
boxes, yet their charm is out of doors 
in the early spring-. They form a 
beautiful margin for a flower bed and 
show beautifully in beds of design 



Tulips and Jonquils.— Are Tulips and Jon- 
quils desirable lor house culture ? 

The above-named bulbs are especi- 
ally desirable for house culture in 
winter. Plant them in fine, rich loam, 
water thoroughly and set away in a 
cool, dark place. ' In about three 
weeks bring them into the full light 
and water freely, they will surely 
bloom throughout the winter. After 
tin 1 bulbs are through blooming they 
may be left in the soil in which they 
grew through the winter and removed 
to a dry place forest in preparai 
for starting them another fall. 



Tulips and Hyacinths.— How should Tulip 
and Hyacinth bulbs be treated so as to pro- 
duce bulbs for future us ■-? 

Tulips are readily increased by set- 
ting the little bulbs out in good, rich 
soil that will not cake or get hard and 
where they will not suffer from 
drought. In this way very tine bulbs 
may be grown for market in this 
country. Fair sized Hyacinth bulbs 
may be raised in a soil composed 
largely of chip dirt and woods soil, if 
the seasons are favorable; but as a 
rule. Hyacinth bulbs cannot be satis- 
factorily grown. It is better to pur- 
chase these than to attempt to grow 
them under the unfavorable condi- 
tions to which we must subject them. 



10 



Flower Queries. 



Dahlias, Planting Out.— At 
'I Dablias be planted out? 



They should lie planted out in May, 
and well supported with stakes as they 
advance in growth. They are showy 
plants, easy of culture, like a deep 
mellow soil and plenty of water. 
Must rest in a dry cool place through 
the winter. 



what Time | Ixias. Half Hardy,— Arc the Ixias hardy V 
Describe them. When can the bulbs be 
potted, and how? 



Gladiolus, lvee|iinj> Bulbs of.— What is the 
best way of keeping Gladiolus bulbs'? 

Spread them in shallow boxes about 
two inches deep covering the bottom 

evenly, but not two layers deep. 
Leave them in a warm dry place for 
a week or ten days, or rill they are 
perfectly dry, then separate the bulbs 
and put them in a flat-bottom basket 
and hang - in a cool dry place. Hang- 
ing them up allows the air to circulate 
freely around and through them. 



Gladiolus. Propagation of. — How may the 
- be best propagated? 

Gladioli are as easily raised from 
seed as any vegetable grown. No 
more culture is needed to raise them 
in this way than is ordinarily ex- 
pended on common flowers grown from 
seed. They should be sown in spring 
in beds prepared the same as for any 
annual and covered not deeper than 
one inch. The resulting bulbs should 
be taken up in the fall when they 
show signs of ripening, and stored in a 
dry cellar free from frost. 

Colchicnm. — When should the Colchieurn 

anted ? When do they bloom ? 

In September, if possible. They re- 
quire only ordinary garden soil. The 
only special care that they need is To 
be replanted every three years or so 
at a depth of about three inches. 
The bulbs have a Tendency To get 
deeper in The ground Thus developing 
root growth rather Than flowers. The 
blossoms come in August and Sep- 
tember. 



Dahlias.— How may Dahlia roots be safely 

■ (1 ? 

Dahlia roots may be safely wintered 
in any cellar that will keep potatoes. 
They should be well dried before 
putting in the cellar and should be 
kept cool, but not cold enough to 
freeze. Moisture will either mould or 
rot them according to the temperature. 
Keep them dry, 



No. They are only half hardy. 
They have small bulbs and narrow 
sword-shaped leaves, with slender, 
simple or slightly branched stems 
bearing spikes of large showy flowers, 
the centres of which are always 
different from The other parts so That 
they are exceedingly beautiful when 
in full bloom, the colors being rich. 
beautiful and varied. Few flowers 
attract more attention by their curious 
form and strange coloring, all showing 
three or four colors; there is a greater 
difference in the form and colors in 
the several species and varieties of 
Ixias Than with any other class ot 
plants. The bulbs can be potted at 
any time from September to Decem- 
ber. The pots one-third filled with 
drainage will be none too much. 
Two-thirds turfy loam, one-third well 
decomposed manure or leaf mould, 
with a good sprinkling of sharp sand 
will be suitable. As many as six bulbs 
can be placed in a five-inch pot, cover- 
ing them about an inch in depth 
When iirsT ported, water thoroughly 
and seT in a dark cool place while 
roots are forming or for about six or 
eight weeks, rhen give Them a light 
cool place in your window garden. 



(alias in Small or Largpe l'ots. — W 
Callus do better in small or large pots, other 
things being equal ? 

Asa rule, Callas should be planted 
in comparatively small pots, as in 
large ones they are apt to produce too 
luxuriant foliage, to the detriment ot 
flowers. Planrs that have been kept 
dry during summer, intended for 
winter flowering, should be watered 
more frequently as soon as they srart 
into growth; when growing vigor- 
ously, They may be kept standing in a 
saucer filled with water at all rimes 
Most amateurs are likely to give too 
little water to The < 'alia. And They 
require a very rich soil. If each !'• 
is cut off as soon as it shows signs of 
withering a new bud will soon form 



Allium.— Aie the Allium bulbs hardy ? A\-<- 
the plants difficult to cultivate? 

They are all hardy, very showy and 
continue a long rime in bloom. They 
are easy to cultivate, content with 
almost any kind of soil; can be grown 
indoors or outdoors. 



Bulbous Plants. 



11 



Fr*>psins.— What is the best soil for cultiva- 
ting Freesias ? 

They suceeed best in a mixture of 
good fibrous loam, leaf mould and 
well-rotted manure, in equal propor- 
tions, with sand to insure drainage. 
They force very easily, growing to a 
height of nine or ten inches and pro- 
ducing six to eight Mowers on a stem. 
They are very valuable as cut flowers, 
opening delightfully in water, filling 
the air with a most delicate perfume. 



Cnmias.— Can Carinas l>e grown successfully 
from the seej and how should the seed be 

started? 

Cannas maybegrown from the seed. 
Make a hole through the shell and 
soak them in water. It is not neces- 
sary that the hole be large. 



Gladioli, List of. — Please give a list of 

good varieties of Gladioli. 

Their name is legion. It is bard, 
indeed, to know where to begin or to 
end. We will name some that have 
been well tested. Of red varieties: 
Brenchleyensis, Meyerbeer and Van 
Spandonk- Striped: Eugene Scribe. 
Milton and Shakespeare. Salmon or 
buff: Penelope and Mazeppa. White: 
La Candeur, John Bull and Virginalis. 
Yellow: Isaac Buchanan, Canari and 
Citrinus. 



Chinese Sacred Lily. — What is the most 
satisfactory way of growing the Chinese 

Sacred Lily ? 

It grows well potted in a light, rich 
soil, but it is more charming grown in 
shallow ornamental bowls or vases 
containing water, the bulbs being 
held in place by pebbles. By slightly 
cutting the skin near the Ton of the 
bulb, the flowers may be increased. 
One bulb will produce by tins treat 
ment from eight to twelve spikes of 
bloom. The bulbs ought to bloom 
about eight weeks after planting or 
placing in the bowls. 



Zephyranth.es. — Are Zephyranthes luilhs 
hardy? By what other name is this plant 
known? 



They are hardy and may be planted 
early in the spring. With a slight pro- 
tection in the winter they may be 
left undisturbed several years. They 
are often called 
Fairy Lily." 



Yucca.— Will the yucca grow in the north? 

What soil do tiiey require? 

It is perfectly hardy at the north 
although being a native of the south. 
It blooms freely and soon forms a 
large-sized clump, sometimes attaining 
a height of twenty and even thirty 
feet. The flowers are produced in 
great ' abundance on long panicles, 
rising from the center of a leafy crown. 
The common name is "Adam's 
Needle." There are varieties of Yucca 
that are not hardy, growing beauti- 
fully in the tropics, but Too Tender for 
the open air in the northern States. 
They like light, sandy soil with plenty 
of drainage when grown in pots. Old 
rotted sods chopped up fine with an 
admixture of clean, gritty sand and no 
manure, is their delight. 



Amaryllis not Flowering. — My Amaryllis 

docs not lilo mi to suit me. What particular 
care does it require? 

Rest after blooming, or after the 
leaves have attained their full size is 
the essential point in Amaryllis cul- 
ture. Water should tie withheld 
gradually, and entirely so after the 
leaves are drying off. During summer 
and autumn the bulbs are to be kept 
entirely dormant. When wanted to 
bloom again they are re-potted in rich, 
sandy loam and leaf mold, put in a 
warm place, and moderately watered. 
As soon as the leaves appear, and es- 
pecially during the blooming season, 

water has Tobe given in' abundance 
The Amaryllis is an interesting plant, 
desirable for growing in pots, produc- 
ing showy flowers, that are very at- 
tractive and handsome. 



Narcissus. — How often should Narcissus 
bulbs, grown outdoors, be divided ? 

Every three or four years. The 
bulbs get overcrowded and lose 
strength unless divided. They should 
be replanted in groups of five or eight, 
in well enriched soil and about three 
inches apart. They like top dressing 
in the winter and when first starting 
in the spring. The size and beauty of 
the flowers can be very much increasd 
by the use of liquid manure. 



Trillium.— Will Trillium bear cultivation. 



Although essentially a wild flower, 
the roots may be planted early in the 
Zephyr Flower and ; fall in a shady place— under trees even. 
They like leaf mould and sand. 



12 



Flower Queries. 



Scillas.— How should Scillas be treated '.- 

The Scilla bulb is like the small va 
rieties of Hyacinth and requires about 
the same culture. The soil should be 
rich and light and well-drained. It is 
often well to put a little sand around 
each hull> as they are apt to rot if 
kept very wet. It is better to plant 
early in The autumn that the bulbs 
may become established before winter. 
As the plants are dwarf, they should 
always be in clumps of at least a 
dozen; the smaller kinds should beset 
about two inches below the surface, 
the. larger somewhat deeper. They 
increase rapidly and yet may be left 
undisturbed for several years. 



Tigridias.— Are the bulbs of the Tigridias 
as hardy as those of the Gladiolus .- 

The bulbs are not as hardy as the 
Gladiolus and should not be planted 
until all danger of frost is over. They 
should be planted about two inches 
deep in light, rich soil. 



Oxalis Cernvm.— Is the Oxalis Cernua desir- 
able for winter blooming 1 ? 

The Oxalis Cernua is perhaps the 
most desirable of all varieties of Oxalis 
for window decoration. The large, 
yellow clusters are produced on long 
slender stems, and both foliage and 
flowers are of a drooping nature. 



Ranunculus. — What soil lust suits the 
Ranunculus '/ 

A strong, rich soil: rotted sod and 
well decomposed manure have the 
right kind of enriching properties. 
Good drainage is essential and plenty 
of water. The Ranunculus will not 
stand drought. 



frit till aria Me'eagris. — What treatment 

does the Frittillaria Meleagris require/ 

The plant requires very little care. 
The bulbs should be planted in 
autumn. The plants grow from a 
foot to a foot and a half in height. 
bearing at the top drooping clusters of 
flowers shading from white to almost 
black. 



Frittillaria Kecnrv*. — Can the Frittillaria 
Recurva be successfully grown in pots'/ 

Yes. Plant the bull's about three 
inches deep in the pots in well drained 
soil. Water them only when the soil 
is quite dry and then do it thoroughly. 
It will bloom several years without 
resting but when it gets ready to rest 
it tells you so, veryclearly, by sending 
up one big leaf, the next season it will 
bloom freely. 



The Crinnm -What variety ot the Crinum 
is the best tor ordinary culture'/ 

We would say the Crinum Peduneti 
latum It sometimes take- several 
years to attain the right strength for 
blooming, but when ready, it blooms 
the entire year. It likes a rich soil 
and yet will do astonishingly well in 
the poorest kind of soil. 11 has tow- 
insect enemies and [s altogether highly 
satisfactory. 



Caladiunts and Colocasias. — Does the 

treatment differ for these two named foliage 
plants; if so, in what respects, either for the 
garden or indoor? 

The garden treatment of both is the 
same. The tubers should he planted 
in the ground or turned out from pots, 
in which they have been started in a 
frame or greenhouse, about the last of 
May, in a rich, deep soil and in a warm 
exposure. If the season is dry. as 
they are naturally marsh plants, they 
should have liberal waterings. Under 
this treatment the Colocasias will 
develop enormous leaves and be con- 
spicuous objects in the garden until 
killed by the frost. The tubers should 
then be taken up and stored in a frost- 
proof cellar until spring. The indoor 
treatment is simply to pot the tubers, 
in March, in rich soil, give plenty of 
heat and moisture, shade somewhat 
to prevent burning, and. when the 
leaves begin to turn yellow, gradually 
withhold water to ripen the root. 
Turn the pots upon their side am! 
withhold water until the plants are 
again wanted. By successive pot- 
ings, plants may be had in perfection 
the whole year. 



Anemones. — When is the blooming sea90 i 
Of the Anemone'/ 

The springtime. Bulbs planted in 
September or October about two 
inches deep and protected through the 
winter, will flower beautifully in the 
spring. 

Ixias. Varieties of.— Name the most desira- 
ble varieties of Ixias. 

Among the best tire Crateroides, 
Galatea, Viridiflora, Duchess, Lady 
3 ■ Titus and Wonder. 



CHAPTER III. 



Lilies, Culture and Care. 



"Tke lily holds herself like some sWe^t 5^.ir\t 
Afjart frotrv eartMy grief, as is a star 
Apart frctn ar»y fear of earthly tair\t;" 

HarjDer's. 



Japan Lilies. — Are Japan lilies hardy ? 
When suould the tulbs be set ? 

They are perfectly hardy. If good. 
strong bulbs are set out in tin- ground 
in the fall, perhaps as late as < k-tober 
or November, planted about eight 
Inches deep, they will throw up strong 
shoots the following summer, and 
bloom freely. Bulbs several years old 
produce the finest flowers, especially 
if they have been allowed to prow in 
one spot; they do not like to be dis- 
turbed. After several years of bloom- 
ing, The bulbs can be dug up, the 
off-shoots removed, and the old bulbs 
re-set. The time to do this is in the 
fall. Although hardy, the lilies seem 
to like a little care through the winter, 
such as a light covering of leaves or 
straw that can be raked off in the 
early spring. They require very little 
manure and really like a light, well- 
drained, sandy soil. 



Wliite Day-Lily. — }f what species is the 
White Day-Lily ? 

The white day lily is not a true lily, 
but a species of Funkia. It has fleshy 
roots: likes a partially shaded, moist 
but well drained place, and is entirely 
hardy. The flowers are borne upon 
scapes or terminal clusters, and the 
flowers remain out but a short time, 
though new buds are constantly open- 
ing. For this reason it is called '(lay- 
lily." The roots may be planted either 
in the spring or fail. 



Peruvian Lilies. — Are the Peruvian lilies de- 
sirable for summer blooming ? 

The summer is their season for 
blooming. The colors are varied; 
crimson, yellow, rose and purple, beau- 
tifully shaded and marked. The Aoav- 
ers are very desirable for cutting, last- 
ing a long time after being cut. 



Transplanting Lilies. — When is the best 
time to transplant lilies ? 

Lilies may be safely transplanted at 

almost any time. Their growth is con- 
tinuous; when not blooming, they are 
growing under ground. The only thing 
to be avoided is letting the bulbs be- 
come too dry. 



Lily-of-the- Valley.— What exposure should 
be given to the Lily-of-the- Valley 't 

The Lily-of-the- Valley thrives in a 
dense shade, where few other plants 
will live. It does better, however, in 
a partial shade, and blooms abund- 
antly. The pips are planted out in 
either autumn or spring. 



Resting of Callas.— How long a rest do 
Caila lilies require ? 

They must rest at least three months 
if expected to bloom successfully. By 
" resting " we mean allowing the leaves 
and stalks to die down completely to 
the bulb, withholding water, and let- 
ting the soil dry up completely ; this 
treatment kills the stalk but rests the 
bulb. 



Wild Lilies.— What varieties of wild lilies 
can be successfully transplanted ? 

L. Canadense, L. Superbum, L/Va 
tesbaei and L. Philadelphicum. *A11 
these can easily be taken up 'and 
grown in the garden. 



14 



Flower Queries. 



Bermuda Easter lollies. — Are Bermuda 
Easter lilies hardy * 

Bermuda Easter lilies are hardy if 
planted eight inches deep and pro- 
tected by careful mulching. 



Easter Lilies-— How should Easter Lilies be 
treated when the bloomiDg season is over J 

Continue to water them until the 
foliage begins to decline, then grad- 
ually withhold the supply of water 
until the soil is almost dried out. Then 
set them in a cool, shady place until 
August, and then re-pot. or renew the 
soil, being careful not to injure the 
fleshy roots. If the Easter lily has not 
split up into small bulbs it will bloom 
again: if it has divided, however, it 
will not bloom, and should he set out 
in the garden, eight inches deep in 
well drained soil. Here it will live and 
grow, and form blooming bulbs in two 
or three years. 



Easter Lily Bullis — When and how should 
Easter Lily bu.bs be started ? 

Take large bulbs in autumn and put 
them in eight-inch pots, placing each 
bulb at least two inches below the sur- 
face of The soil. After watering, set 
the pots in a dark closet until roots 
form, then bring gradually to the 
light, giving them a cool, light win- 
dow. They will bloom in about five 
months after potting. 



Golden Banded Lily. — Has the Golden 
Banded Lily of Japan any other name ? 

It has. It is really the Lilium Aura- 
tum Of the family of Japan lilies, and 
it is one of the most beautiful in size 
and col< »ring. A golden band runs 
through each petal, and the spots are 
a rich chocolate crimson. It is well 
suited to house culture, and yet makes 
beautiful growth in the garden. 



Lily-of-theValley in Pots.- How should 
the Lily-of-the- Valley be started in pots; uKder 
what conditions ? 

Not more than live or seven pips 
should be placed in a six -inch pot. 
The soil should be an almost equal 
mixture of rich earth and sand. The 
pots should be given a southern expo- 
sure and a place where the roots can 
be kept warm. They should be wat- 
ered with warm water. This treat- 
ment will force the blossoms on most 
rapidly. 



Bermuda Lily. — How deep should the bulbs 
be planted, and i.ow soon may flowers be ex- 
pected ? 

The bulbs should be planted eight 
inches deep in well-drained, porous 
soil. The soil should be rich, hut do 
not enrich it by mixing stable litter 
with it. Phosphate or decayed turf is 
better. After the plants come up in 
the spring the bed may he mulched 
with stable litter to keep it cool and 
moist, as heated soil injures the growth 
and causes the buds to blight. This 
lily, however, is usually grown in pots 
for spring blooming. For this pur- 
pose, get sound bulbs nine to eleven 
inches in circumference, and pot in 
eight-inch pots, setting the bulb two 
to Three inches under the surface. 
Water, and set in a cool place to root. 
It is usually from four to five months 
in coming into bloom after the bulb is 
potTed. (live the pot a place in the 
window as soon as the leaves show 
above The earth, and water regularly 
and liberally. It likes a moist, cool 
atmosphere and a rather sunny expo- 
sure. As the buds begin to develop, a 
little phosphate or guano may be 
worked into the surface soil. If in- 
sects appear, syringe lively. After the 
buds develop, keep the plant in a cool 
room, and in a window where it will 
get but liTTle direct sunlight. After 
the flowers fade, continue watering 
until The foliage turns yellow. Then set 
the plant away in the cellar until au- 
tumn. 



Little Gem Calla.— What is the nature of 
the Little Gem Calla » What soil and treatment 
does it require ': 

The Little (rem calla should be 
planted in rich soil, and during its 
growing season should have an abund- 
ance of water, and liquid fertilizer at 
least once a week. If you want it 
for a winter blooming plant it 
should be allowed to rest during the 
summer. 



Lilium Caudidum. — Is the Lilium Candidal u 

hard> , and when does it bloom f 

It is quite hardy, and blooms in 
May and June. The bulbs should be 
planted early in the fall in a light, 
sandy soil. They should be set not 
less than eight or ten inches below the 
surface. They do not require any 
protection during the winter, and the 
beautiful, bell - shaped, snow-white 
blossoms are rarely beautiful in the 
early summer 



Lilies, Culture and Cake. 



Amaryllis Jolinsoiiii.--H nv should this 
plant oe treated to get best results ? 

A recent writer says: "There is no 
difficulty in getting Amaryllis John- 
sonii to bloom if the bulb is of bloom- 
ing size. Keep it in about an eight- 
inch pot, and sink in the open border 
during summer, if not too dry. On 
approach of cold weather remove to 
the house. It will soon show signs of 
resting. Then withhold water. Letting 
the foliage die down. About January 
remove the top earth without disturb- 
ing the roots, put on a coating of rich 
soil, water well, and bring to the light. 
Soon growth will commence, and in 
due time the flower scape will appear 
at the side of the bulb. A little man- 
ure water may be given when the 
bulbs are in bloom, or while the bulb 
is forming. 



Kaffir Lily.— How should the Kaffir lily be 
planted and cared for ? 

Plant the bulbs out-doors in the 
spring; in the autumn lift the plants 
and pot them. They will bloom for 
months at a time. The more the flow- 
ers are cut the more freely thev bloom. 



Wliite Egyptian Calla How should the 

Egyptian Calla oe treated ? How many flowers 
should it produce ? 

Each summer let it rest by turning 
it on its side by the wall, or any shel- 
tered spot, until early in September, 
when it should be re-potted with good, 
rich soil, using a six to eight-inch pot, 
giving it plenty of water, and light 
and heat in abundance. Feed it with 
barn - dressing reduced to a liquid 
form, using it sparingly — two large 
spoonfuls a week — and the result will 
be most satisfactory. The lily pro- 
duces but one flower, and buds about 
the middle of February. It is large 
and very fragrant, filling the room 
with a delicate and pleasing odor. 
The flower measures four to live 
inches across the top, is two feet high, 
and keeps white and fresh a long 
time. We have said that this lily pro- 
duces but one flower, and this is al- 
most always true, yet one sometimes 
finds at the base of the first flower - 
scape another bud in embryo. If the 
old stem is removed as soon as the 
flower fades, cutting it low, and leav- 
ing the young hud uninjured, the 
plant will usually perfect another 
bloom. 



t alias for Winter Bloom.— How should 

Callas be prepared tor winter blooming ? 

An experienced writer says: " After 
three months of rest, or about the 
first of October, we 'dump' out the 
plant, shake off all the old soil from 
the built or bulbs, and re-pot in fine, 
rich soil, using pots one size larger 
than those used the previous year: 
place the plants in a cool, shady spot 
and water freely. Let them remain 
for two or three weeks, until new roots 
have formed, after which all danger is 
passed, and they can be removed into 
full light and heat. When growing, 
water freely. An application of strong 
liquid manure once a week will add 
greatly to the growth of the plants, 
and to the number of blossoms pro- 
duced. A very pretty effect can be 
obtained by arranging the plants 
about a fountain or pond where they 
will bloom freely throughout the sum- 
mer season, presenting a tropical ap- 
pearance. They will also grow well 
by standing the pots completely in the 
water. 



Li II n in Annum.. — Will the Japan lily. Lili- 
nin Auratuni, thrive if grown in a pot ? VVne'i 
should it be potted ! 

It does well potted, but should not 
be forced. <Tet a bull) from three to 
four inches in diameter, and pot in a 
nine-inch pot. setting it three inches 
under the soil. See that the drainage 
is good, and use rich, porous soil. 
Press the soil firmly when planting, 
then water, and set' the pot in a cool, 
shady place. The plant should not 
be exposed to the noonday sun, or. at 
least, the pot and its contents should 
be shaded. If the sun is allowed to 
shine upon the pot or the soil, heating 
it. the bulbs are liable to blast. Pot- 
ting may lie done in the fall and the 
plant kept in the cellar till spring, or 
the bull) may be planted in the spring. 
In either case the bulb will throw up 
a fine blooming plant, and afford 
much satisfaction 



Tlie Turk's Cap Lily.— Is the Turk's Cap 
lily hardy ? Where is it native ': 

The Turk's Cap lily, or Liliuin Su- 
perbum, is entirely hardy. It is ex- 
ceedingly graceful in its growth, some 
times reaching seven feet in height. 
and developing as many as twenty of 
the beautiful brownish-scarlet flowers. 
It belongs to New Jersey, but is hardy 
enough to bear winters farther north. 



16 



Flower Queries. 



Guernsey Wiles.— Are Guernsey lilies desir- 



wuerngey lilies.- .-ire 
able for a window garden ? 



The Guernsey lily is one of the 
most beautiful of lilies for a window 
garden. It is easy to cultivate, of vig- 
orous growth, and very sure to pro- 
duce clusters of Large, wavy-petaled 
flowers of the most brilliant vermilion 
scarlet. It should be left to grow and 
increase for several years without re- 
potting. 



Soil for Lilies. — Waat kiad of soil is wanted 
for a good lily bed ? 

A dry soil where water is not liable 
to stand in winter. It is a good idea 
to raise the bed a few inches. They 
all delight in a light, rich soil, such as 
is afforded by a mixture of loam and 
well rotted manure, (live proper 
drainage, and if possible place the bed 
where they will have a partial shade 
from buildings or shrubbery. 



"Water Lilies.— Can Water Lilies be easily 
cultivated ? 

James Sheehan says : "The cultiva- 
tion of Water Lilies is very simple; they 
can be grown with success in tuns or 
tanks, or in little artificial ponds, con- 
structed to accommodate them. A 
hogshead sunk in the ground in the 
open air, in some sunny location, will 
answer to grow them in. Fill a hogs- 
head half full of the compost recom- 
mended for aquatics, then set the 
plants in the compost, press down 
firmly, and fill the cask with pure 
water. If possible connect a flow and 
waste pipe with the barrel, to keep 
tlie water fresh, as this is highly essen- 
tial in growing these plants in this 
manner." 



Season for Planting Lilies. — Which is 
the better season for piantiug lilies, spring or au- 
tumn ? 

Autumn is the most desirable time 
for planting lilies. The bulbs start so 
early in the spring that they cannot 
always he planted early enough. In 
cultivating lilies the most essential 
point is never to have any standing 
at their roots. 



Barburtoes Spice Lily.— What treating* 
does the Barbadoes Spice lily require ? 

The Barbadoes Spice lily is perhaps 
the most gorgeous of the Amaryllis 
family. It requires the treatment 
given to all of that family of bulbs. 
GrOOd rich soil, plenty of water while 
growing and blossoming, then its sea 
son of entire rest. The bulbs are very 
large, and if well planted are very sure 
to produce strong spikes of bloom. 
Single flowers will average from six to 
ten inches across; they are a rich- 
glowing scarlet, with a contrasting 
wide white stripe through each petal. 
Spikes often produce from four to 
eight flowers each. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Rose Culture. 



Thf t"c>5C is fairest Wl\el\ 'tis fc>u<44i^g r»eW, 

A^t^ hope i-a brigKtest Wh,ei\ it c)aWt\5 from fears; 

Tl\£ rose is sWeete5t Washed witt\ trvorrvirvg c)eW, 
Ar»4 loVe i$ loVeli^st wKeft etnbalmjcl irv tear^. 

5cott. 



Standard Roses. — Hoiv should standard 

roses be wintered ? 

Standard roses may be tied up in 
straw or laid down and covered with 
soil. In laying the plant down the 
soil should be taken from close to the 
stem, on the same side as the roots are 
1 growing. This loosens the roots and 
allows the plant to be safely turned 
down. Then cover with soil. 



La France Rose. — Is the La France one of 

the old roses ? 

The La France rose was developed 
from the Tea rose as late as 1867. It 
is a rarely beautiful rose, lovely in 
color and profuse in bloom. It is 
adapted to both indoor and outdoor 
culture, being a hardy, vigorous grow- 
er, retaining in outdoor growth the 
size and quality of its hot-house devel- 
opment. 



Monthly Roses, Fumigating. --Ought out 
door monthly roses to be fumigated J 

It is not generally thought neces- 
sary to fumigate outdoor roses. Care- 
ful syringing ought to keep them in 
good condition. 

Potted Roses In Cellars.— How should pot- 
ted roses be kept through the winter ? 

The roses when taken up from the 
garden and potted should be kept in a 
dark room for a week or two before 
taking them to the cellar. This pre- 
pare* them for the change, and they 
will rest during the winter and are 
ready for fine, strong growth a second 
summer. 



Crimson Rambler Rose. — Is this rGse 
hardy and easy to grow ? 

It is perfectly hardy, and the foliage 
is retained to a great extent during the 
winter, making it almost an evergreen. 
It is easy to grow, and in a single sea 
son makes shoots from six to ten feet 
in height. 

Tea Roses, House Culture. — Name some 
varieties of the Tea rose for bouse culture. 

The La France (Bourbon), bright 
lilac-rose, perpetual bloomer, fine form 
and half hardy; Perle de Jardins. sul 
phur yellow, full and double, an un- 
usually fine rose; Hermosa (Bourbon), 
light rose color, a most perpetual 
bloomer; Bon Silene, flowers purplish 
carmine, highly scented: Niphetos, 
pure white, an incessant bloomer. 



Monthly Roses In Winter. — How can 

Monthly roses be protected in v> inter ? 

As soon as the temperature gets be- 
low freezing they should be pegged 
down securely and covered to a depth 
of four or five inches with litter, leaves, 
and light covering. The covering 
should not be removed too early in 
the spring. Wait until the hard frosts 
come on before covering, and until 
April, at least, before uncovering the 
vines. 

The Prairie Rose.— Will the Prairie rose 
bloom early in the season ? 

The Prairie rose is a late bloomer, 
sending out clusters of large beautiful 
flowers when almost all other roses are 
gone. 



18 



Flower Queries. 



Bine Roses.— Is there such a flower as a Blue 
rose ? 

No. Blue roses are an utter impos- 
sibility. Mr. Henderson says: "It 
has long been known among the best 
observers of such matters, that in cer- 
tain families of plants, particular col- 
ors prevail, and that in no single in- 
stance can we ever expect to see blue, 
yellow, and scarlet colors in varieties 
of the same species. If any one at all 
conversant with plants, will bring any 
family of them to mind, it will at once 
be seen how undeviating is this law. 
In the dahlia we have scarlet and yel- 
low, but no approach to the blue; so 
in the rose, hollyhock, etc. Again in 
the verbena and salvia, we have scal- 
ier and blue, but no yellow. If we re- 
flect, it will be seen that there is noth- 
ing out of the order of nature in this 
arrangement; why then should we ex- 
pect nature to step outside of what 
seems to be her fixed laws, and give us 
a blue rose ".'" 



Jtliilching Rose Beds. — Is mulching neces- 
sary or desirable for rose beds :- 

American Gardening says: "A 
mulching on the rose beds is decidedly 
beneficial during The hot weather, not 
only preventing the too rapid evapor- 
ation of moisture from the soil, but 
also keeping the roots cool, and the 
most convenient material for this pur- 
pose is found in the clippings from the 
lawn, this being a covering that has 
been frequently proved most satisfac- 
tory. Where it is possible to do so, 
the rose beds should be freely watered 
during dry weather, for by this means 
quite a sprinkling of flowers may be 
had from the June roses (hybrid per- 
petuals), later in the season, beside 
greatly improving both quality and 
quantity of flowers on the so-called 
ever-bloominy; sorts." 



The Bridal Rose — What soil does the Bridal 
ro*e require, and is it hardy ? 

The Bridal Rose needs a loose, por- 
ous soil with good drainage. It may 
be called hardy, although in the north 
it requires a little protection through 
the winter. It also likes partial shade. 



Damask Roses.— Where did the Damask rose 
originate or receive its name ': 

The Damask rose came from the 
gardens of Damascus. It Avas intro- 
duced into Europe, and after many 
years was brought into this country. 



Tlie Sunset Rose.— From what variety does 

the Sunset rose originate ? 

The Sunset rose is a sport of the 
well known Perle de Jardins. The 
flowers, like those of its parent, are 
very large, full, well formed, and 
borne on stiff stems. It is a good rose 
for winter forcing, and is also desira- 
ble for outdoor culture. 



Fairy Roses.— To what class do the Fairy 
ros«s belong ? 

To the class of Polyanthas. They 
are a lovely and distinct class of ever- 
blooming roses, distinguished by their 
dwarf, bushy habit of growth, medi- 
um size and very double flowers, which 
are delightfully fragrant and are borne 
in large clusters and masses, frequent- 
ly seeming to cover the whole plant 
with a sheet of bloom. They are good, 
vigorous growers and constant and 
most profuse bloomers, very pretty 
and highly recommended for general 
planting, also for edges and borders to 
beds of the larger growing varieties. 
They are not entirely hardy, but will 
often survive the Avinters in favorable 
situations, with usual protection. 



Roses for the Window. — Name some roses 
that may be grown in the window. 

Do not try the varieties often talked 
of. such as Perle de Jardins and Cath- 
erine Mermet; they can only be grown 
well by florists. Try Queen's Scarlet, 
Hermosa, Marie Lambert and Francis- 
ca Kruger. These can be depended 
upon to give satisfaction and pleasure 
in the house. 



Rosa Wiclmriana.— Will the Rosa Wich- 
uriana make a good growth the first season ; 

This is a rapid grower, of trailing 
habit. It will sometimes run as much 
as twenty feet in one season. It likes, 
unlimited space. The flowers are 
large, white, and very abundant. 



Persian Rose. — How should the Persian rose 
be pruned and what are iis habits of growth ? 

The blossoms of the Persian rose 
are produced on the previous year's 
growth, which fact prevents much 
pruning. The dead branches should 
be cut out. This rose should be placed 
by itself, as it is of rambling growth. 
The beautiful sulphur yellow blos- 
soms come in early summer in great 
profusion, causing it to be a general 
favorite. 



Rose Culture. 



19 



Climbing Roses.— Name some desirable var 
ieties of climbing roses. 

There are many varieties of climbing 
roses; some of them are hardy enough 
to make a very fair growth in the 
north, but the most luxuriant growth 
is produced in California and the 
southern States. In these localities 
the beautiful Lamarque stands first. 
Others almost as beautiful and of vig- 
orous growth are the Banksian. Reine 
Marie Henriette, Cloth of Gold, Es- 
telle Pradez, Marechal Niel, Rosa mos- 
chata, and the Cherokee rose. 



Roses for Wintlovvs. — What is the best 
treatment tor roses intended for window culture ! 
Should the> be planted duriog summer or kept 
in pots ! 

Two systems may be practiced. One 
is to pot the plants into five or six - - 
inch size, using light, rich, turfy soil, 
and then sink the pots up to the rim 
in the ground. Cover with a light 
mulch to prevent evaporation, and 
give plenty of water. Soapsuds from 
the kitchen and weak liquid manure 
will assist growth. They may remain 
out of doors until the ground freezes. 
The other system is to plant them in 
the open ground early in the summer 
and let them remain there until late 
in the fall, then carefully lift and pot. 
Roses require a season of rest; they 
cannot be well forced the year around. 



Tea Roses, Outdoors.— Can Tea roses be 
cultivated out of aoors successfully ! 

As good an authority as James Shee- 
hansays: 'Tea roses may be culti- 
vated out of doors with success, but 
they must be taken up in the fall and 
removed indoors. We know it is the 
custom of some gardeners to lay the 
bushes down in the fall, and cover 
them with earth and leaves; while in 
some cases this may preserve them, it 
cannot be depended on as a rule. To 
keep up a steady bloom, pinch off all 
flowers as soon as they begin to fade. 
It is best to not let the buds open fully 
while on the bush, but they should be 
cut in the bud, and placed in a vase of 
water, where they will expand and 
keep for a long while. All dead leaves 
and flower stems should be carefully 
removed, and the surface of the soil 
in the pots should be stirred up occa- 
sionally with a stick; this Avill keep 
the plants in a growing condition, and 
if they can be kept growing, they will 
bloom continuously." 



Hermosa Rose.— Is this a winter bloomer, 
and what treatment does it require ? 

"We quote from Park's Floral Maga- 
zine: ••Hermosa rose blooms well 
either summer or winter. If wanted 
for winter-blooming get a young plant 
in the spring, pot if in a three-inch 
pot, and shift it as it grows to make 
strong roots and retard blooming. 
Cut the buds off as they appear. By 
autumn the plant should occupy a 
six-inch pot, and if given a sunny win 
dow will bloom freely under favorable 
conditions. Cut the flowers as they 
fade, with a portion of the branch, to 
induce new growth, on which the 
buds appear. For summer-blooming 
bed out in May, and mulch the bed 
with stable litter as the weather be- 
comes warm. Thus treated they will 
bloom all summer, and bear the win- 
ter without protection, though a board 
frame around the lied, or a covering 
of evergreen boughs placed over the 
bed in December is often beneficial." 



Rose Bert.— What is the best location for a 
rose bed ? 

To begin with the bed should be 
well sheltered from wind and yet sun 
ny. It should not be near large trees. 
as the large roots of the trees will take 
all the nourishment from the soil, and 
will fairly starve the poor roses. The 
making of the bed is very important. 
It should be mellow and well worked 
to a depth of at least twelve inches; 
the soil should be rich and yet with a 
good deal of sand worked in. perhaps 
as much as one-third. With care in 
making the bed the roses will not need 
enriching until a second season, and 
even then it must be done with care: 
use only well-rotted manure and not 
too much of that. Too much enrich- 
ing will burn the plants, yellow tin- 
leaves, and blast the buds. The plants 
should be set about twelve or eighteen 
inches apart. The roots must never 
be crowded. 



Ten Roses. — Name ten roses for general cul- 
ture. 

We should name Clothilde Soupert. 
Mrs. Degrauw, rose color; Malmaison, 
flesh color and deliciously sweet : 
La France, clear soft pink; General 
Jacqueminot, crimson ; Duchess of Al- 
bany, deep pink; Dinsmore, coral red. 
Empress Augusta Victoria, white and 
very fine; Papa Gontier, bright red. 
and Etoile de Lyon. The three last 
are not quite hardy. 



20 



Flowek Quekies. 



Tea Kose Cuttings.— When should Tea rose 
cuttings be started for the next summer's use i 

About September the cuttings 
.should be made. They should he 
started in sand with a temperature 
of about 65 degrees. The process of 
rooting covers from twenty to thirty 
days, when they should be ready for 
transplanting into pots. Roses need 
rather large pots. They need constant 
syringing and fumigating with tobac- 
co because of their deadly enemies, 
the aphis and the red spider. They 
require good soil and may he placed 
in 1mm Is as early as Ma v. 



Hoses for tlic Garden. — Name some desire 
able varieties for garden culture. 

"La France, Mrs. John Laing, John 
Hopper, General Jacqueminot, Paul 
Neyron, Maurice Bernardin, Ulrich 
Brunner, Baroness Rothschild, Mer- 
veille de Lyon, Hermosa, Anne de 
Diesbach. Eugene Verdier, Fisher 
Holmes, Coquette des Blanches. Mal- 
maison and Mdme. Plantier, the latter 
being a particularly free - blooming 
white variety, but belonging to the 
China section, and consequently only 
to be relied upon to produce one crop 
of flowers in the season." The above 
list is given by so good an authority 
as American Gardening. 



Hardy Tea Hoses.— Name some Tea roses 
that are hardy. 

Very few Tea roses are hardy; we 
name some that may be relied upon 
in temperate localities, not north of 
]N"ew York City: Marie Van Houtte, 
Papa Gontier, Dinsmore, Marie Guil- 
lot, Perle de Jardins, Mdme. Lom- 
bard, Souvenir dun Ami, and Cather- 
ine Mermet. 



Hosts, Indoors. — What varieties of roses are 
best for indoor culture ? 

The roses best adapted for indoor 
culture are Tea roses ; these are ten- 
der, of a busy growth, and will bloom 
the year round; the flowers have a 
strong tea -scent. 



Moss Roses.— Are Moss roses entirely hardy ? 

They are entirely hardy, and can 
be wintered without any protection. 
They should be well, even severely 
pruned in the spring, carefully remov- 
ing all the old wood. We would name 
the White Perpetual, pure white; the 
< 'rested, rose color, and perhaps the 
Salet, deep pink. 



Dwarf Roses.— What are the most desirable* 
dwarf roses ? 

American Gardening gives the fol- 
lowing: "By repeated and careful 
selections a new race of roses has been 
produced, which, like annuals, ger- 
minate, flower, and produce seeds in 
less than a year. As to the word 
' dwarf,' that is justified by the height, 
which in adult plants is only about 
twenty inches. The flowers are single, 
semi-double or double, in almost equal 
proportions, and present almost all 
the variations of color observed in cul- 
tivated roses. Flowering commences, 
as has been already said, in the first 
year, and even a few months after 
sowing. This precocity is one of the 
most remarkable and interesting fea- 
tures of this new type, in which, in 
fact, the rose assumes some of the 
characteristics of an annual. It is 
very curious to see a small rose tree, 
perhaps only about three inches high, 
with a very slender stem and a few 
small leaves, put forth in less than 
three months, numerous flower buds 
which soon open into pretty little 
semi-double roses the size of a florin or 
of a half crown, and resembling in ap- 
pearance Lawrence's Bengal rose, or 
even more closely, the Rose Pompon 
de Mai. A young plant raised from 
seed sown on January 15, expanded 
its first flower three months later. 
Blooming is continuous throughout 
the summer, but is naturally more 
abundant in the second year, when 
the plant assumes the corymb charac- 
ter peculiar to Rosa polyantha." 

Roses for Rock Gardens. --What rosts 
can be grown best in a rockery ? 

There are several varieties of roses 
of rambling growth that makes them 
very desirable for a rockery. R. blan- 
da. R. caroliniana. R. lucida, R. folio 
losa. and the little Scotch rose. R. 
spinosissima. are all inclined to wild 
rambling growth. 



Clothilde Soupert Rose.— Is the Clothilde 
Soupert rose a free bloomer ? 

Clothilde Soupert is a beautiful rose 
either in bud or fully blown, of a beau- 
tiful soft pink when first opening, 
changing to paler pink as it gets older, 
and some of the flowers are almost 
pure white. It is beautifully formed, 
very double, sweet-scented and a most 
prolific bloomer. It will continue in 
bloom from early spring till frost in 
the fall. 



Rose Culture. 



21 



.Mildew on Roses — Can rose mildew he pre- 
vented ? 

The best care cannot insure the ab- 
sence of mildew. However, the use 
of sulphur will always destroy the 
germs of mildew. 

TJie Cherokee Rose. — Is the Cherokee rose 
hardy, and what is the nature of its growth ? 

The Cherokee rose may be said to 
be hardy as far north as New Jersey. 
It is a climber of most luxuriant 
growth. It yields a prolusion of large 
white flowers. 



'Wintering Tea Rosen.— Can Tea roses be 
wintered out of doors ? 

By cutting the plants back slightly 
and bending them down and securing 
them with leaves, not too heavily, 
they may be safely carried through 
the winter. 



Black Spots on Roses. — What will remove 
black spats from roses ? 

The best remedy we know is cup- 
ram, an ammoniacal solution of car- 
bonate of copper. All spotted leaves 
should be removed and burned, then 
spray the plant Avith cupram. 



Rose Cuttings.— When should rose cuttings 
be made f How long a time is required for rooting? 

September is the best time. After 
inserting the cuttings they should be 
kept in an even temperature of about 
sixty -five, watered carefully, not too 
profusely. The time required for root- 
ing varies from three to four weeks. 



The Sweetljrlar. — Is the Sweetbriar rose 
hardy '! 

The Sweetbriar is hardy and is alto- 
gether a most charming rose. The 
blossoms, though single, are of a beau- 
tiful shade of pink, and the fragrance 
of its foliage is very delightful. It re- 
tains this fragrance for many months 
after being cut. 



Hybrid Peipetnals.lt] wintering Hybrid 
Perpetuals is it necessary to peg down the shoots ? 

It is entirely unnecessary. A much 
better way is to carefully prune the 
bush, then throw up soil around each 
plant to the depth of six or eight 
inches; cover the entire bed with a 
good mulching of half-rotted cow 
manure, and your roses will come 
beautifully in the spring. 



Sprinkling Roses.— How often ought roses 
to b^ sprinkled ? 

Rose foliage should be sprinkled 
every day. Both upper and under 
sides of the leaves should be wet; if 
this is not done thoroughly the small 
red spider will take possession and 
ruin the plant. 



Transplanting Rose Cuttings — What 
soil should be used, ami how should rose cuttings 
be transplanted ? 

The soil should be very carefully 
prepared : one-third cow manure, two- 
thirds turf, both well rotted and mixed 
together, and a small amount of sand. 
They should be potted in very small 
pots at first. 

Pruning Roses. — Give suggestions for pruu- 
ing roses. 

AVe take the following excellent sug- 
gestions from Dingee and Conard's 
catalogue: "The different varieties 
of roses differ very much in habit of 
growth ; many are neat and compact, 
requiring little or no attention, while 
others of the same class are vigor- 
ous and straggling, sending out long 
shoots which tend to outrun the lim- 
its assigned them. Pruning, therefore, 
is a matter to be governed by the 
judgment of the possessor of the 
plants. We will add, however, that 
plants of persistent growth should be 
trimmed back each fall or in early 
spring about one-half to two thirds of 
the season's growth. Where plants. 
apparently healthy, fail to mature the 
buds which they bear, remove a large 
percentage of the undeveloped buds 
and imperfect blooms and prune se- 
verely. Also trim back about one- 
third when, after planting, they shed 
their leaves and exhibit signs of weak- 
ness; this gives the roots a chance to 
become vigorous. 



CHAPTER V. 



Vines or Climbers. 



"Lurk'cJ a pavilion, a ^eliciovi-s -sigt\t, 

.Stnall, marble, Well-f>roportioA'd, melloWy wKitf, 

Witt\ >elloV Vine leaVes sprif\klecl, — " 

LeigK Hunt. 



Ornamental Gourds.— Is any special cul- 
ture necessary to success with ornamental 
gourds ? 

These gourds require but little care 
after the seeds are planted, except to 
train the vines. When the ground 
has become warm in spring, plant the 
seeds in rich soil where you want the 
gourds to grow, and should dry 
weather follow, water them liberally. 
The first frost kills the plants, but 
usually not until they have ripened an 
abundance of seeds. The growth of 
of the gourd is proverbial and the 
plant will soon cover long trellises and 
produce a very beautiful effect. The 
Balsam Apple (Momordica) is nearly 
related to the gourd family. It is a 
slender climber with a delicate foliage. 
The seeds should be started in pots 
and tlie plants turned out early in 
.Tune into rich, moist soil, where they 
can have a, sunny exposure 



Plumbago Capensls. 
pensis easy co cultivate ? 



-Is the Plumbago Ca- 



Cisstis Heterophylla.— Is tlie Cissus Hete- 
rophyila of rank growth enough to be useful for 
shade ? 

It is one of the most beautiful and 
most desirable of vines. It grows lux- 
uriantly, making a dense shade. It 
will grow in almost any kind of soil. 
The foliage is very beautiful, the 
leaves are a rich dark green with 
cream-white blotches. The blossoms 
are followed by berries, so the vine is 
at all times one of unusual beauty. It 
is entirely hardy, and the richness of 
the variegation increases with age. It 
is unusually free from insect pests. 
Altogether one of the most beautiful 
of vines for piazza decoration. 



We very much admire the Plumba- 
go Capensis and we quote a fine des- 
cription of the vine from Park's Floral 
Magazine: "There is scarcely any" 
other window flower of the same ex- 
quisite delicate blue, and I know of no 
other so successfully cultivated. A 
small plant bought in the spring or 
early summer will soon begin bloom- 
ing, throwing out several trusses of 
lovely phlox-like flowers, and continue 
in bloom for months at a time, the 
plant constantly growing finer. The 
blooms are produced on the new wood, 
and for this reason as each branch 
finishes flowering it should be cut 
back rigorously to induce a greater 
number of flowering branches. The 
plant should be turned e^'ery day or 
two to allow every side of it a fair ex- 
posure to the sun, then allow the new 
branches to grow any length desired 
before pinching out the top. If it is 
budded do not pinch it, as the flowers 
are too lovely to lose. If pinched in 
time, however, a great many more 
blooming shoots will be produced. I 
have had branches over three feet 
long on a year old plant, and these in 
turn branched nearly to the l>ase. and 
at the end of every branch a large 
truss of the exquisite blue flowers. 
This Plumbago is not fastidious as to 
treatment, and will stand a good deal 
of neglect. It is also quite hardy, 
standing cold nights extremely well."' 
When these plants show fatigue let 
them rest on a back shelf, giving water 
only once a week. A few weeks of 
rest will do wonders for them. 



Vines or Climbers. 



23 



Vines for tlie Veranda. — Kame some Vines 
most desirable for growing about a veranda. 

Ever - blooming roses are always 
beautiful. The Honeysuckle is a very 
clean, pleasant vine, with its delight- 
ful fragrance. The Wistaria is very 
showy, as is also the Trumpet Creeper. 
For temperate localities the Carolina 
Yellow Jasmine and the Plumbago Ca- 
pensis are very desirable. The Moon- 
flowers, Maurandia and Coboea Scan- 
dens are desirable for quick growth. 
The Madeira vine grows quickly too, 
and the flowers are inconspicuous and 
very fragrant. Many varieties of Cle- 
matis are very desirable. The dainty 
Tropaeolum Canadensis must not be 
forgotten. If vines are wanted simply 
for foliage or to cover walls, the Eng- 
lish Ivy and Ampelopsis Veitchii are 
very beautiful. 



Varieties of Clematis.— Please name some 
of the best varieties of Clematis. 

There are many, but the following 
will give general satisfaction : Alexan- 
dra, color reddish-violet; Flammula, 
small white flowers: Gem. deep laven- 
der-blue; Grloire de St. Julian, white; 
Hendersoni, bluish-purple; Henryii, 
white; Imperatriee Eugenie, white; 
Jackmanii, beautiful purple; Jeanne 
d'Arc, grayish-white ; Lanuginosa Can- 
dida, white; Lanuginosa nivea, white; 
Lawsoniana, bluish-purple; Magnifica, 
rich purple ; Otto Frcebel, white ; 
Prince of Wales, purple with red bar 
in centre of each petal: Rubella, claret 
color; Rubra violaeea, maroon-purple; 
Star of India, violet-purple with tur- 
key-red bars in the center of each 
flower leaf; Velutina purpurea, black- 
ish-purple; Viticella rubra grandiflora, 
claret-crimson with green stamens; 
Viticella venosa, reddish-purple vein- 
ed with crimson. 



Morning Glories.— Is it well to let Morning 
Glories sow themselves ? 

Not if you want the choice colors 
and a variety of them. You can get 
much finer and more varied colors in a 
choice mixture procured from some 
reliable seedsman. Sow them in a 
box and transplant when the plants 
are large enough. Furnish support as 
soon as the plants show a disposition 
to climb. The variety and beauty of 
the flowers from such plants will be a 
source of much pleasure and satisfac- 
tion every morning during the sum- 
mer and autumn. They are especially 
valuable for porches and screens. 



Dlanettia Leaves Curling.— What causes 
the leaves of Mauettia-vine to cu 1 and dry up at 
the edges ? 

Manettia bicolor is troubled with 
blight, or the attack of a parasitic 
fungus, when the conditions for its 
growth are not entirely favorable. 
The vine needs plenty of room for its 
roots, plenty of heat," a moist atmos- 
phere and partial shade. When the 
disease appears, remove all affected 
leaves, and change the conditions to 
promote the health of the plant. 



Hardy Moon-nower.— How should Hardv 

Moon flower be cultivated ? Is it a ready grower ? 

The Hardy Moon-flower (Ipomaea 

pandurata) is a wild vine found in 

fields in many sections of our country. 

I The plant is found trailing on the 

i ground, and bears large, white nioni- 

1 ing-glory-like flowers, with a rosy 

throat. ' These are always found open 

in the morning, and are often called 

morning-lilies. The roots are very 

large and lie beneath the reach of the 

plow, so that the farmer finds the 

vines troublesome to get rid of. All 

that need be said as to cultivation Ls, 

to plant the roots. The vines will 

take care of themselves. 



Cinnamon Vine.— Where does the Cinna- 
mon vine come from, and is it hardy ? 

This beautiful climber is extensively 
grown in the East and West Indies as 
an article of food where the roots 
grow to large size and very much re- 
semble a sweet potato in shape. They 
are roasted and eaten as bread, and 
considered very nutritious. When in- 
troduced into this country they cre- 
ated quite a sensation, and although 
they are not considered a very valu- 
able eatable, as beautiful, hardy. 
climbers, they are highly appreciated. 
These vines are of easy culture. Be- 
fore cold weather cover slightly with 
straw if where the winter is severe. 
As a covering for an arbor or veranda 
they are exceedingly desirable, not 
only on account of their beautiful 
foliage, but because of the profusion 
of the sweet-scented flowers which 
prove a source of constant delight. 



English Ivy Is the English Ivy an ever- 
green ? 

The English Ivy (Hedera Helix) is a 
true ivy, and a hardy evergreen, the 
foliage 'remaining green throughout 
the winter. 



24 



Flower Queries. 



Manettia Blight.— Are all varieties of Man- 
ettia-vine subject co blight ? 

Manettia cordifolia is not affected 
with blight. It is tuberous-rooted, 
blooms in summer, bearing a j)rofusion 
of open, carmine flowers, and dies 
down in autumn. It is really more 
desirable than Manettia bicolor for 
the ordinary amateur, as it never fails 
to grow and bloom satisfactorily. For 
blight, give partial shade and water 
occasionally with soot tea. 



Apios Tuberosa.— Is the Apios Tuberosa a 
wild vine ? 

The Apios Tuberosa is a wild vine 
and found in moist places. The tubers 
are about as large as a hen's e^g, and 
joined together. The vine will grow 
from ten To Twelve feet in height, and 
when well cared for produces clusters 
of bloom not unlike short clusters of 
black locust bloom, but of a peculiar 
brownish color. The plant is not satis- 
factory as an ornamental vine. 



Hoya Carnosa. — Can the Hoya Carnosa be 
started from a leaf ? 

From a well matured leaf it can be 
successfully started. It is slow in 
coming, but very sure. Do not re-pot 
for as many as four or five years. 
Even strong plants do not like to be 
disturbed. The soil may be strength- 
ened by removing old soil from the 
top and filling up with fresh soil well 
enriched. 



Clematis.— What is the easiest way of propa 
gating Clematis ? 

The easiest way for the amateur is 
by layering. Plants used for propa- 
gation should be given very rich soil ; 
as they grow, the steins should be peg- 
ged down and covered with soil at the 
joints. It is best not to cut off the 
layers before the following year. 



Climbing Japanese Fern.— Is the Climb- 
ing Japanese Fern a vine ? 

IT is a vine quite like the Cypress in 
its growth and foliage. It will cover 
a trellis or wall most charmingly, and 
it will quickly cover a small Tree or 
shrub. 



Wistarias.— When and how should the Wis- 
taria be pruned ? 

In midsummer. The side shoots 
should be cut back to about one foot 
from The main stem. Other side shoots 
will quickly start, which should, when 
a few inches long, be pinched in again ; 
in this way producing flower buds in- 
stead of leaf buds. If the young shoots 
make a strong growth during the sea- 
son, they should be cut back again 
the following spring without waiting 
for The midsummer pruning. 



Torenia. - 

baskets ? 



Is Torenia suitable for hanging 



Torenia is very desirable for hang- 
ing baskets, as it starts quickly from 
seed, it bears transplanting well, and 
it much likes intense heat. It grows 
very rapidly and will of itself cover a 
basket and cling so closely to its sides* 
that one can see but a mass of lovely 
green sprays covered with whiTe and 
blue blossoms. 



Japanese Hop.— Is the Japanese Hop an an- 
nual ? How cultivated ? 

The Japanese Hop is an annual, 
easily grown from seeds and self-sows 
when once introduced. It is a coarse 
vine that grows rapidly, and some cul- 
tivators prize it highly, especially the 
variegated-leaved variety. Treat it 
as you would the old-fashioned Morn- 
ing-glory. 



Clematis Panlculata— Is the Clematis Pani- 
eulata entirely hardy ana what are its habits of 
growth ? 

It is a thrifty, robust-growing vine 
of graceful habit and attractive foli- 
age. It is entirely hardy. The vine 
dies down in the fall, but the next 
spring it starts with added strength 
and makes very rapid growth. It 
grows well over woven wire, or it can 
be tacked to a Avail. The pretty star- 
like florets with feathery stamens are 
very lovely. 



Virginia Creeper.— Does the Virginia Creep- 
er require protection in winter ? 

Not after the first season. The first 
year's growth should be slightly pro- 
tected with evergreen boughs or 
branches of some kind. After the first 
winter it is strong enough to endure 
almost any amount of cold. It is a 
very desirable vine, because of its 
rapid growth and of its brilliant color- 
ing in the autumn. 



Climbers.— Name some desirable Climbers of 
ea*y growth. 

Convolvulus, Canary Creeper, Sweet 
Pea, and Major. These are all easy 
to grow and pleasing in effect. 



Vines or Climbers. 



25 



Boston Ivy.— Is Boston Ivy hardy ? How 

best grown ? 

Boston Ivy (Ampelopsis Veitchii) is 
hardy unless it is taken into the ex- 
treme north. It must be grown 
against a Avail. It is a deciduous, 
shrubby vine, losing its leaves in au- 
tumn. 



German Ivy.— Give culture of German Ivy. 
What color are its blossoms ? 

The German or Parlor Ivy grows 
very rapidly. Planted in a large pot 
with rich porous soil, then trained 
about the room, its growth is almost 
marvellous. The blossoms are small 
and of a rather bright orange color. 



Coboea Scandens. — Is the Coboea Scandens 
only a summer growing vine ? 

Coboea Scandens really bel< >ngs to the 
south. It is not hardy at the north, 
indeed it will rarely even perfect seeds 
in this climate. As a summer vine it 
is charming, it grows rapidly and well, 
blooms freely, bearing large, purple, 
bell-shaped flowers from midsummer 
till frost. Seeds started in April bloom 
in July. 



Stephanotis Floribunda.- Will the Step- 
hanotis Floribunda grow outdoors ? 

This is a hot-house evergreen and 
cannot be grown in gardens. It is pro- 
pagated by cuttings, and requires sev- 
eral re-pottings. The plant has to be 
cut back, and the soil very much en- 
riched for two years before allowing it 
to develop. It then makes a reliable 
greenhouse vine, yielding a wealth of 
bloom annually. 



Kiisleiita Alblda, When aacl how does the 
Ensienia Albida bloom ? 

It blooms late in the summer, the 
flowers are small, white and sweet- 
scented. The vine has a clean, smooth, 
green stem and the leaves are very 
distinctly veined, sometimes veined 
with white. It is a rapid grower. 



Seneclo Macroglossis, — Can the Senecio 
Macroglssis be propogated from slips ? 

It propogates readily from slips. 
This is one of the most beautiful of 
vines for house culture. The dark 
green, shiny leaves are beautiful even 
without the light yellow flower with 
its beautiful veins on the lower side. 
I It is a high climbing vine of rapid 
growth. 



Cypress Vine.— Will Cypress Vine bear trans- 
planting ? 

The Cypress vine will not bear 
transplanting well. Plant the seeds, 
they germinate readily. The blossoms 
with their star-like beauty give rare 
pleasure as they unfold every morn- 
ing. The fact that they only* remain 
open a part of the day matters little, 
as the vine itself is so beautiful with 
its soft fern-like foliage. 



Madeira Vine.— Give some informati-n on 
the cultivation of the Madeira vine. 

The Madeira vine will grow from 
either seed or tubers, but rather better 
from the tubers. It requires a rich 
soil and a shady position. The vine 
grows exceedingly rapidly, requiring 
constant training. The leaves are of 
a light green, waxen and glossy. The 
racemes of bloom are creamy white 
and very fragrant. The vine grows 
and blooms luxuriantly until frost. 



Clematis Coccin»a— Is the Clematis Coccinea 
hardy in the north, ar/d is it a desirable variety ? 

The Clematis Coccinea is entirely 
hardy and we consider it very desir- 
able. Being herbaceous, it dies down 
every winter, and in spring throws up 
eight to twelve vines to a height of 
eight to ten feet. Early in July, and 
continuing till frost appears, its one to 
one and one half inch long, bell-shap- 
ed flowers, of the most intense coral 
scarlet, shine as if polished. They are 
produced from the axil of each leaf, on 
strong, wiry peduncles, three to four 
inches long, standing out boldly from 
the foliage. The leaves are of a rich, 
deep, glossy green, deeply lobed, and 
of a firm texture. The foliage and en- 
tire habit of the plant is elegant, 
bright, and attractive, — indeed, even 
without flowers it would be a valuable 
addition to a garden. Its cultivation 
is of the easiest kind, as it thrives in 
any moderately rich soil, and in any 
situation where it gets the benefit of 
a few hours of sunshine a day. 
Another great point in its favor is that 
it is not subject to insect depredations, 
which prove so disastrous to many 
other climbers. 



Kcnlhvortli Ivy.— Is the Kenihvoith Ivy 
hardy ? 

It is not. It is simply a dainty vine 
for house culture, and especially pleas- 
ing for hanging baskets or window 
brackets. It is a very free bloomer. 



26 



Flower Queries. 



Ivy Cuttings. — Will cuttings ef Ivy root 
easily, and what treatment does the vine require? 

We quote from James Sheehan: 
"The Ivy may be easily cultivated 
from slips or layers. In soil, sand, or 
even in pure water, cuttings will root, 
and they will take up with almost any 
kind of soil, but that which can be 
easily kept loose is preferable. The 
Ivy is partial to shade, and if it never 
saw the sun it would make no differ- 
ence, as it would grow and flourish 
jus,t the same. There is no sight more 
attractive in a window-garden than a 
tine Ivy vine trained up the casement, 
over the wall and ceiling its dark, 
rich, glossy leaves, and thrifty look, 
make it an object to be admired. If 
grown in pots in the house, the soil 
will soon become exhausted, if the 
plant is growing rapidly ; and it should 
be changed or enriched with decayed 
manure at least once each year, care 
being taken not to disturb the roots 
to a great extent. It is a mistake to 
allow Ivies too much pot-room ; they 
will do better if the roots are consider- 
ably confined. Soap-suds or liquid 
manure if applied once a month when 
the plants are growing, will promote a 
luxuriant growth. When dust ac- 
cumulates on the leaves, as it will, if 
grown indoors, wash it off with a 
damp cloth or sponge; if this is long 
neglected you need not be surprised if 
you soon discover the leaves to be 
covered with red-spider or scale-lice. 
Cold water is the best wash, when 
washing be sure and treat the under- 
side of the leaves as well as the upper 
surface. I would recommend the 
English Ivy as being the best sort for 
general cultivation." 

Tropwolum Peregi in u 111. — Will the Tra- 
ps-dura Peregrinum grow out of doors ? 

It will grow well outdoors if started 
in the house and transplanted. The 
foliage of the vine is very beautiful, 
and with the delicately fringed yellow 
flowers looking like yellow birds with 
wings outstretched the effect is charm- 
ing. The Tropa-olum is more com- 
monly known as the Canary Bird 
flower. 



Variegated Hop.— Is the Variegated Hop of 
rapid growth ? 

The Variegated Hop grows rapidly, 
the foliage is not as dense as that of 
the common hop, but much more 
beautiful. The vine self-sows, and 
the second year vines are often much 
stronger in growth than those of the 
first season. 



Yellow Jasmtiie. — Will the Yellow Jasmine 
live in the north, and what soil does it require ? 

The Yellow Jasmine may be called 
hardy until taken into the extreme 
north. It makes a beautiful trellis 
vine, although it will not grow with 
its southern luxuriance. In its own 
climate it covers fences and shrubs 
and even tall pines. It grows best in 
a soil composed of sod, leaf mould, 
and sand in about equal parts. 



The Honeysuckle. — Is the Honeysuckle sub- 
ject to insect enemies ? 

We have always found the Honey- 
suckle to be unusually free from in- 
sects, which is a great recommenda- 
tion for a vine to be grown near the 
house. 



Solanums,- Will Solanums bloom in the 
■wjnter? 

By taking cuttings in midsummer, 
which root very easily, blossoms may 
be produced in the winter. The vine 
is. however, most truly a summer 
vine. If set outdoors in the spring in 
a sunny corner and given deep, rich 
soil and some kind of lattice for sup- 
port, it will grow to a height of twenty 
feet or more, giving all the time a 
wealth of airy clusters of starry 
blossoms. 



The Hoya.— How may the Hoya be most sat- 
isfactorily grrown ? 

Hoya is a plant that gives the best 
satisfaction as a house plant. Its 
large waxen leaves are very beautiful 
when sponged and kept free from 
dust. It may be new to many to 
know that the buds of the Hoya form 
in the joint between the stem and the 
leaf one year before it blooms. It is a 
little crooked stem, turned down, and 
a little head at the end which make> 
one think of a snake's head. The 
next year this stem raises up and the 
buds expand; and we have a cluster 
of five-sided waxen lumps, each on the 
end of a stem. When opened, a lovely 
five-pointed star, with a velvety look 
and bright as with dew, is a delight to 
the eye and nostril. When these 
lovely flowers fade and drop off, be 
sure to leave the little stump on the 
vine, for the next year a similar bunch 
of buds will grow "out of the center of 
that little stump; and more flowers 
will gladden the heart of the possessor 
of the blooming Hoya. 



CHAPTER VI 



Shrubs. 



"It WaA a shallow 4ell, $et \r\ a taoulid" 
Of .sloping scrubs, tkat h\our\te4 by 4c9 ree 5 — 
Tke birck al\c| poplar mixecl it\ l\eaVier trees;" 

LcigK Hui\t. 



Rhododendrons.— When should Rhododen- 
drons be planted ? 

In the Northern States spring plant- 
ing is preferable, and also wherever 
the ground is not perfectly drained. 
The proper selection of varieties is of 
the greatest importance. More plants 
are lost from not being suited to out- 
door culture than from any other 
■cause. In the south, they may be 
planted in either autumn or spring. 



Starting Slips. — Is there any particular 
kind of soil better than another for starting 
slips? 

The best medium in which to place 
cuttings of nearly all the ordinary 
house-plants is pure building-sand. 
This is to be kept very wet until the 
cuttings become rooted. The young 
plants are then to be transplanted in 
small pots — two to two and a half 
inches in diameter — in soil consisting 
of equal parts of well-decomposed 
manure, loamy garden soil, ami sand. 



Hardy Rhododendron. — What soil does 
the Rhododendron require-, and is it hardy ? 

The Rhododendron thrives in a 
loose, porous, well-drained soil. It is 
hardy even in the north if planted in 
a protected, partially shaded place. 
The flowers are very beautiful and 
borne in June in great clusters. 



h airy Shrub.— What is the Fairy shrub ? 

It is a species of shrubby Clematis. 
A very dainty shrub well deserving 
the name of Fairy shrub. A native of 
the south. 



Native Spii-eas.— Will the Nat ive Spiraeas 
bear transplanting? 

The native Spiraeas are very much 
improved by cultivation. In choosing 
the shrubs, select only young plants 
of symmetrical growth; cut out the 
dead wood and rank-growing stems 
Work the soil lightly about the roots 
to encourage a strong fibrous growth, 
and when the leaves have fallen the 
bushes will be ready to transplant. 
They are entirely hardy and with 
proper care will flourish wonderfully. 



Spirea Callosa Alba. 

Alba a dwarf shrub ? 



-Is the Spirea Callus?, 



It is a dwarf, of bushy yet symmet- 
rical growth: yielding most profuse 
bloom during the summer months. It 
requires a deep, moderately rich soil 
and a sunny situation. Occasional top 
dressings of well-decayed manure in- 
crease its growth. The branches 
should be cut back in the early spring 
enough to keep good shape, but they 
should not be severely pruned. 



Cape Jasmine.— To what extent is the Cape 
Jasmine hardy, ai»d what culture does it require? 

The Cape Jasmine is only hardy at 
the south. In the north it can only 
be grown in pots. It is easy to culti- 
vate, requiring a mixture of loam and 
sand, plenty of water while in blossom 
and very little water while it is rest- 
ing. The flowers must be cut with 
short stems. After the flowering 
season, the plant may be cut back. 
The flowers are double, white and de- 
lightfully fragrant. It is often called 
the Grardenia. 



28 



Flower Queries. 



Syringa Vn'garis. — What is the Syringa 

Vulgaris, and how is it propagated? 

It i.s really The common Lilac. There 
are numerous varieties, ranging in 
color from white to deep purple. Most 
of them are perfectly hardy, and all 
are extremely ornamental. They are 
readily propagated from the numerous j 
suckers which they send forth. Simply 
separate the shoot from the old bush. 



The Syringa.— When does the Syringa blos- 
som, and what is its growth ? 

It blossoms in June and is indigen- 
ous to the United States. It is a strong 
grower and makes a large-sized shrub 
unless kept in hand by pruning. The 
flowers, which are pure white and 
fragrant, are produced in great pro- 
fusion in June. 



Althaea— Is the Althaea an early bloomer '? 

No. The Althaea or Hibiscus Syria- 
cus, is a most desirable shrub, easy of 
culture but it will not bloom before 
August or September. 



Fruit-Bearing Shrubs. — Are any of the 
fruit-bearing shrubs dtcorative ? 

Several of them are. The foliage of 
the Buffalo Berry is silvery white with 
large clusters of rich crimson berries. 
The Tree Cranberry is a very pretty 
shrub, about the size of the Lilac and 
with drooping clusters of bright red 
berries. The dwarf Rocky Mountain 
Cherry grows about four feet high and 
hears an enormous amount of fruit 
every year. The dwarf Juneberry is 
a beautiful shrub, growing very 
quickly and bearing fruit when very 
small. The lovely little blossomscome 
before the leaves start. The fruit is 
purple when ripe and about the size 
of a cherry. All of these named are 
ornamental as shrubs. 



The Spirea.— Is the Spirea a tree blooming 
shrub? 

The Spirea is a very free bloomer. 
The blossoms come early in May and 
continue long on the shrub. The 
ordinary growth of the bush is from 
five to seven feet in height. 



•Jasminum Uraiiditlorum. — Is the Jas 

minum Wranditiorum a vine or a shrub ? 

It is inclined to climb, yet with 
proper pruning it makes a most satis- 
factory shrub. By pinching off the 
top when it has reached the height 
you desire, you will cause it to throw 
out lateral shoots, and pinching these 
off in turn produces a bushy symme- 
trical shrub with delicate foliage and 
small, sweet nowers. 



A Hardy Border. — When and how should a 
hardy border be planted ? 

A hardy border may be planted 
either in the spring or autumn. Large, 
well-grown clumps, such as some nur- 
serymen sell, will make a really tine 
display the first season. They should 
be set out in their permanent places 
so as to become well established be- 
fore winter. In planting, remember 
one principle: hardy plants produce 
their best effects when arranged in 
groups or masses, the size of these de- 
pending on the extent of the grounds 
and length of the border. Never plant 
fewer than six or twelve plants of a 
kind, and plant them near enough to- 
gether to form, when grown, a solid 
mass of foliage and bloom. Arrange 
the various groups irregularly in the 
border, planting the taller and coarser 
varieties in the background, having 
due regard to season and bloom. Make 
a plan of the border in advance, and 
study carefully the characteristics of 
the plants in making their arrange- 
ment. The following list is well ar- 
ranged in classes according to height; 
Low — Achillea alba, Phlox sublata, va- 
rious Pinks, Carnations, Grallardia, 
Iceland Poppy, Coreopsis lanceolata. 
Plumbago larpentae. Medium — Pe- 
onies, Oriental Poppy, Hardy Phlox, 
Platycodon, Iris Germanica. Tall — 
Delphinium (Hardy Larkspur), Aqui- 
legia (Columbine), Campanula (Can- 
terbury Bell), Digitalis (Fox Clove), 
Hollyhock, Dahlia, Sunflower. Hibis- 
cus, Iris Ksempeferii. 



Hydrangeas.- \re Hydrangeas hardy, and 
when shoula cuttings be rooted :' 

Some varieties of Hydrangeas are 
entirely hardy, others are half hardy. 
The most satisfactory varieties for 
permanent shrubberies are Paniculata 
Grrandiflora, Hortensia and Thomas 
Hogg. Of the half hardy varieties 
perhaps the Otaska, Thunbergii and 
the Lindleyii are the most desirable. 
The cuttings should be rooted in July, 
then potted in a rich, peaty loam. By 
taking later cuttings in the autumn, a 
succession may be established and one 
may have Hydrangeas in blossom at 
almost any season. 



Shrubs. 



29 



Oleanders — Are Oleanders easy to cultivate ? 
Should they be watered freely ? 

The Oleander is not difficult to culti- 
vate, and when in full bloom nothing 
can be prettier. It likes a rich soil 
and plenty of pot room. During its 
growing season it should be watered 
abundantly, in fact, it never should 
become entirely dry at that period, 
else the flower buds will drop off. 



Pyrus .Japonica — Is the Pyrus Japonica 
an early flowering- shrub? 

The Pyrus Japonica, or Japan 
(Quince, is one of the very earliest 
flowering shrubs and produces a great 
quantity of bright scarlet flowers, not 
fragrant, but exceedingly brilliant. 
The bush requires careful pruning as 
its natural growth is straggling. It is 
entirely hardy. 



Deutzist Crenata.— Is the blossom of the 
Deutzia Crenata single or double? 

Double. The growth of the shrub 
is from three to six feet in height. 
There is a dwarf single variety that 
may be said to be more generally satis- 
factory, as it blooms more freely and 
the blossoms come early in June. 



•Japanese Desnioiliuiu— Describe the growth 
of the Japanese Desuuodiuin and culture. Can it 
be propagated by cuttings ? 

The Japanese Desmodium. or Sweet 
Pea shrub, is a very beautiful, hardy 
perennial. It dies to the ground every 
fall, and the following spring it throws 
up robust shoots to the height of four 
or five feet ; the shoots branch freely, 
and by autumn the plant assumes the 
proportion of a medium-sized bush, 
with gracefully curved branches. The 
foliage is a bright green color, and the 
deep rosy-purple, pea -shaped flowers 
are produced in pendulous racemes 
all along the curving branches in the 
greatest profusion. It is perfectly 
hardy and free from all insect pests ; it 
well deserves a place in all collections. 
It prefers a very deep, moderately en- 
riched soil, a sunny situation and 
sufficient space in which to properly 
develop its growth. Every fall a good 
top dressing should be given and dug 
in the following spring. The Desmo- 
dium can be readily increased by cut- 
tings of the half-ripened wood. It 
will not bear being disturbedjor trans- 
planted. 



Forsithia.— Is the Forsithia a haidy shrub? 
What soil is best adapted to it ? 

The dark leaved Forsithia, also 
popularly known as Golden Bell, is a 
very beautiful, hardy, ornamental 
shrub. It attains a height of from 
four to six feet by as much in breadth. 
The leaves appear after the flowers, 
and are retained until the late autumn 
months. The pendulous, bell-shaped, 
bright yellow flowers are produced in 
clusters, or tufts of two or three on all 
parts of the roil-like branches, and in 
the greatest profusion about the last 
of Api-il or the first of May. Forsithia 
does best when given a deep, well en- 
riched loamy soil. It will not bear 
neglect for any length of time, grass 
or weeds should not be permitted to 
grow around it. It is also well to give 
it a good top dressing of stable manure 
occasionally, and this if possible 
should be dug in early the ensuing 
spring. Never trim the Golden Bell 
in the fall, but pinch back the shoots 
in the spring when they show a tend 
ency to grow out of place. 



Weigela Hosea.- Does the Weigela Rosea 
require a rich soil? 

It will grow in almost any soil, but 
a good, rich soil greatly intensifies the 
beauty of the blossoms. It is a most 
showy shrub, making rapid growth 
early in the season, coming into full 
bloom in June. 



Transplanting Magnolias. — How early 
can the Magnolia be safely transplanted ? 

In the spring, just as early as the 
ground can be dug; lift carefully, so 
that all the small, fibrous roots are 
preserved; protect them against sun 
and wind, and move with as little de- 
lay as possible. Magnolias require a 
dry, warm, and rich soil. 



Hibiscus Sunset.— Is the Hibiscus a plant 
that will bloom late in the fell ? 

The Hibiscus will bloom late in the 
fall as well as all through the summer, 
in fact, until severe frosts come. It is 
a shrubby perennial which blooms in 
two months from seed ; and bears 
large mallow-like flowers from six to 
eight inches across, of a rich cream 
color with a velvety maroon center. 
The plant usually bears from ten to 
fifteen flowers at a time. 



CHAPTER VII 



Ferns and Palms. 



" NcW tnea-sure-s 5ul\g to tuh,e.s qivirve; 
But »\or\e, O p>altT\, should equal trvirve!" 

Bayard Taylor. 



Filafera Palm— Doc- 
require much sun ? 



s the Filafera Palm The Tree Fern. — How is the Tree Fern pro- 
pagated, and how should it be cared for? 



This palm does not like strong sun- 
light. Partial shade, sweet soil and 
good drainage will usually give fine 
growth. This palm is easily propa- 
gated from seeds, which germinate in 
from three to six weeks. The first 
leaves are long, unparted and slender, 
and do not show filaments or threads 
along the margin. The second leaves 
are the true, cut leaves. This palm is 
known as the Brahea filamentosa, or 
Washingtonia filafera. 



Yellow Foliage on Palms — What does 
yellow foliage on palms indicate? 

Yellow foliage on palms indicates 
that the plants are either starved at 
The roots and need feeding, or that the 
foliage through exposure to sun and 
wind, has become, comparatively 
speaking, dried out, and unless a 
stimulant is given to the roots and 
likewise to the leaves, the plants will 
ultimately become stunted; and in- 
stead of being ornamental and useful, 
they will become an eyesore. If the 
plants be in this condition, and yet in 
fair good condition at the root, water- 
ing twice a week with liquid cow or 
sheep manure, and syringing the 
foliage twice or three times a week 
with water in which a little ammonia 
has been mixed, should rapidly bring 
back a healthy green color to the 
plants. About a dozen drops of 
spirits of ammonia to a four-gallon 
can of water will soften the water, and 
materially aid toward feeding the 
foliage. This is recommended by 
American Otai'dening. 



The Tree Fern (Acacia lophantha) 
starts readily from seeds and requires 
only ordinary care. It grows about 
two feet in height with dainty little 
paint-brush-like bloom. 



Scale on Palm.— Is it possible to destroy 
scale on palms ? 

It is difficult to find a remedy that 
will kill scale on palms, without at the 
same time injuring the plant itself. 
Kerosene emulsion is an excellent aid. 
At the same time remember the scale 
has to be removed by hand. The best 
plan is to first wash the affected parts 
with the insecticide then go over the 
leaf with a bit of wood which has- 
been reduced to a thin edge and made 
smooth, dislodging all the scales ; then 
wash again. This is the only possible 
Avay to clean a palm that is badly 
affected. 

An Aesthetic Palm.— What Palm of easy- 
culture may be called most decorative? 

For an aesthetic-looking pot plant 
we recommend a graceful palm, 
Kentia australin. The Kentia flourishes 
like a green bay tree. The only care 
required is to sponge the leaves about 
once a week, and water it when dry. 
It must not be dried out, but neither 
must it be soddened. It looks wonder- 
fully handsome standing in a bowl- 
like pot of red Japanese ware. The 
ordinary flower-pot is plunged inside 
this, when an ordinary pot stands in- 
side a glazed one, there is no danger of 
any "muss" from watering. Only, 
don't let water stand in the outer pot. 



Ferns and Palms. 



31 



Rustic Fern Tray.— What is the easiest 
way of making a rustic fern tray, andwhat 
varieties of ferns are most dtsirable for that 
use? 

A very neat and inexpensive tray can 
be made of boards, and covered with 
the bark of trees or split branches. 
The box can be of any size, most con- 
venient to fit the recess of a window. 
Three feet by fifteen inches, and eight 
inches deep, are good dimensions. 
The box should be lined with sheet 
lead, zinc, or tin, painted ; at one end 
a small pipe, of about two inches in 
length, should be firmly soldered into 
the lining. This may be stopped by 
an ordinary bottle cork, or what is 
better, have a small tap or stopcock 
attached, to draw off the superfious 
water. The bottom of the tray should 
be covered, to a depth of an inch or 
an inch and a half, with coarse gravel 
or pieces of broken flower-pots, to 
effect perfect drainage. The remain- 
ing space is then filled with dark soil 
from the woods, such as is found 
among rocks. Where this is not ob- 
tainable, a mixture of loam, sand and 
a small portion of decayed manure 
may be used. In digging up the 
plants, small specimens are to be pre- 
ferred, as with these the roots are less 
liable to be injured, as is almost un- 
avoidable with large ones. A damp 
or cloudy day should be chosen, and 
the roots covered with soil at once. 
When planted in the box, all decayed 
matter should be removed, and the 
roots placed in their natural position; 
tint soil should be drawn around them, 
firmly pressed, and covered but little 
deeper than the plant stood in the 
woods. When all are planted, give a 
good watering with a fine rose, and 
apply no more water till the soil be- 
comes dry. Some of the ferns most 
desirable for this use of the evergreen 
species are Polypodium vulgare and 
Aspidium acrostichoides ; then there 
are the delicate Maiden-hair, Adiantum 
pedatum. and the Bladder Fern, 
Cystopteris fragilis, the Sensitive Fern, 
Onoclea sensibilis, and many excel 
lent kinds of Aspidium, Asplenium, 
Woodsia, Dicksonia and Botrychium. 
To protect the Ferns from the dust 
arising in sweeping, which is especi- 
ally injurious to plants, a light, cheap 
wire frame may be constructed, to 
stand over the box, which should be 
covered with a cloth or newspaper 
when the room is being swept, and 
when the doors and windows are open 
during freezing weather. The box 



should be so arranged that it may oc- 
casionally, during mild weather, be 
taken out-of-doors, and the plants 
washed off with water sprayed 
through a fine rose. This will remove 
the dust from the leaves, and prove 
exceedingly beneficial to the general 
condition of the plants. 



Palms.— Should a novice attempt to grow 
Palms from the seed, and what soil is best 
suited to these plants? 

You can grow them from seed, but 
as the young plants can be purchased 
of seedsmen at very moderate prices, 
it is hardly worth while to try to raise 
them. Window Palms can be bought 
for 23 cents, and large sizes for 50 
cents and si.oo, and it is usually better 
to buy the larger ones. Young plants, 
of most varieties, are best grown in 
rather peaty soil, well mixed with 
sand. As they increase in size and it 
becomes desirable to retard their 
growth, substitute sandy loam with 
but very little peat or leaf-mould 
mixed through it. In this kind of 
soil they grow slower, at the same 
time maintaining their healthy, green 
appearance. They should have a 
regular but not excessive supply of 
water, though in summer it may be 
quite liberal. It is a good plan to 
syringe or spray the leaves daily, par- 
ticularly in winter, if they are in a 
room with dry furnace heat. 



The Sword Fern.— What is the nature of 
the growth of the Sword Fern? 

The Sword Fern (Nephrolepis ex- 
altata) forms a fine mass of more or 
less upright fronds that will sometimes 
attain a length of three to four feet. 
and as this beautiful species has a 
habit of sending out runners some- 
what in the same manner as a straw- 
berry, it is comparatively easy to in- 
increase it by this means. 



Ke-pottinjj Palms.— When should palms 
for summer decoration be re-potted? 

January is the time to re-pot palms 
for the summer. They then have 
time to make vigorous growth before 
being exposed. 



Germinating Palm Seeds.— What is the 
surest method of germinating- palm seeds? 

A bed of sphagnum moss and fine 
sand in equal parts. Then, if possi- 
ble, give bottom heat. 



32 



Flower Queries. 



Hardening Palms.— When is it safe to take 
palms outdoors? 

They may be taken out quite early 
in the summer, but they ought to be 
thoroughly hardened fur weeks before- 
hand by careful ventilation at night. 



North Window Palm.— Name a desirable 
palm for a north window. 

The Seaforthia is one of the best 
palms for house-culture. Its special 
beauty is the long, graceful, divided 
leaf. It endures the dry air of the 
house and a north window gives it 
just the right light. 



Maidenhair Fern.— How can one success- 
fully transplant the Maidenhair Fern? 

In taking it up from its native 
heath, the woods, preserve the roots 
and the half-decayed matter that 
clings to them. It requires a soil of 
leaf-mould and a little sand, and it 
should be kept in the shade at least a 
part of the time, that is where the sun 
cannot strike it continually. Don't 
apply much water to the foliage. 



Varieties of Palms. — Please name some of 
the most popular varieties of the Palm. 

QremlUa Bobusta (The Silk Oak.) A 
magnificent plant for decorative pur- 
poses, of easy growth, finely cut foliage, 
rivaling a rare fern. The young 
growths are a light bronze color, the 
tips being covered with a soft down 
closely resembling raw silk, hence the 
name of "Silk Oak." Latania Bor- 
bonica. (Fan Palm.) The typical 
Palm and recognized as being indis- 
pensable in every collection. Areca 
Lutescens. (The Ostrich Feather Palm. ) 
One of the grandest and most useful 
Palms in cultivation, full of grace and 
beauty. Dracaena Indivisn. (The Foun- 
tain Plant.) This plant is unsur- 
passed for hardiness in the house and 
eminently fitted to contrast with 
palms and other decorative plants. 
Kentia Bdmoreana. (The Curly Palm.) 
The finest, perhaps, of all Palms for 
house culture, and very beautiful in 
form. Oyperus Alter nifolius. (The Um- 
brella Palm.) Styled "The Umbrella 
Palm " as the leaves radiate from the 
stein and curve downward in graceful 
fashion. Livistonia Botundi folia. One 
of the prettiest Palms in cultivation. 
The foliage, which is similiar to La- 
tania Borbonica, but smaller, is grace- 
fully recurved so as to form almost 



perfectly round plants. Seaforihia 
fSlegans. This is the beautiful 
"Feather Palm" of Queensland, 
where it is one of the most conspicu- 
ous and stately objects in the land- 
scape, growing as it does to a height 
of 70 to 80 feet. The pinnate leaves 
are a lovely soft light green and most 
gracefully arched. Coeos Weddebana. 
This beautiful Palm is unquestionably 
one of the most elegant and graceful 
in cultivation. The finely cut leaves 
are recurved with exquisite grace. 
Aravcarm Excelsa. (Norfolk Island 
Pine.) Deep green, feathery foliage. 
arranged in whorls, rising one above 
the other at regular distances; its sym- 
metry of form, grace and beauty of 
foliage are unequaled in the vegetable 
kingdom. Phoenix rvpicola. A beauti- 
ful plant for decorative purposes. 
The leaves are mostly pinnate, beauti- 
fully arched and well furnished to the 
surface of the pot. This makes a very 
attractive plant for the window, never 
growing to a large size. 



House Culture »f Palms. — What are the 
conditions nec< ssary for the successful cul- 
ture of Palms in the house? 

A recent writer has answered this 
question very well by saying that as a 
rule the culture of palms in the ordi- 
nary living room is far from satisfac- 
tory. The larger proportion are stove 
plants and require a considerable 
amount of heat and moisture; good 
drainage is indispensable. Authori- 
ties recommend equal proportions of 
loam, vegetable mould, peat and sand 
as a compost. Yellow loam and plenty 
of sand and some charcoal intermixed 
makes a good soil; they require heat. 
but not sun. As a fertilizer, use ma- 
nure water made of cow manure and 
soot. Thorough drainage and a 

i liberal supply of water are essentials 

! to success. 



Potting Palms. — How should palms be 
potted ? Do they require much water? 

The tendency of Palm roots is to 
run down ; for this reason they need a 
rather deep pot with plenty of char- 
coal in the bottom for drainage. 
After potting they should be watered 
only when the surface has a dry ap- 
pearance; do not allow water to re- 
main in the saucers as it is liable to 
bring disease. Palms require a good 
good light but not strong sunlight. 



Ferns and Palm; 



Ferns for House Culture, 
adapted to house culture. 



Nephrolepis davalloides, Aspidium 
angulare proliferum, Pteris eretica, 
Aspidium capense, Pteris serrulata, 
Platyeerium aleicorne, Aspidium fal- 
catum and Nephrodium mode. 



Hartford Fern.— Is the Hartford Fein a 
climber? 

The Hartford Fern (Lygodium pal- 
matum) is a climbing fern and one of 
the most graceful species. It is native 
to New England. From a running 

root-stock it sends up slender, twining 
stems with smooth, palmate leaves. 
like a miniature ivy. 



Name terns Palms as House Plants.— Are palms diffi- 
cult to cultivate as house plants/ In what 
temperature do they flourish V 



Walking Fern — Can the Walking Pern be 

transplanted successfully ? 

Transplanted in September and 
handled with care, the Walking Fern 
(Camptosorus rhizophyllus) may be 
successfully grown. It is quite an 
oddity with its heart-shaped leaves 
that gradually taper into a slender 
runner, which strikes root at the end 
and forms a new plant. 



Cultivation of Maidenhair.— What are 

some essentials to the successful cultivation 
of this fern? 

Maidenhair is one of the most deli- 
cate and graceful of ferns and one of 
The easiest to care for. Plenty of 
moisture and a shady situation are the 
essential requirements. Dust either 
outdoors or indoors is its worst enemy. 
It needs moisture, but not on the 
leaves. 



Palms are of easy culture, espeei 
ally those known as Brahea filamen 
tosa. Latania borbonica and Ph<> j.x 
reclinata. They should be potted in 
a compost of rich, porous loam, w tn 

g 1 drainage. Water freely in sn a 

mer and keep in partial shade. In 
winter keep the earth moist, but not 
wet. Palms should have a tempei 
ture ranging from forty-five to sev 
five: cool through the night. Re-pot 
the plants in the spring in pots two 
sizes larger than the ones they on 
Sponge the foliage once a week 
wash The pots occasionally to promote 
drainage. This simple treatment \ ul 
generally be found satisfactory. 



Starting Palm Seeds. — How should palm 
seeds be started ? 

The Palm seed should be fresh, as 
at best they are slow in starting, vary- 
ing from Three weeks to three months. 
They should be planted from one to 
three inches dee]) according to the 
size of the seed. The soil should be 
kept moist until The plants app< : ; 
it should be loose and porous. 



Ferns for Cutting. — Name some kii 
ferns that can be raised for cutting ? 

The best kinds for cutting are Ad>- 
antum farleyense, Adiantum cvj 
turn, Adiantum gracilhmum, Adian- 
tum decorum, Adiantum affine, Adi 
antum assinile. Also some of the 
Pteris, the Pteris tremula, Pt< i s 
serrulata and Pteris argyrea 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Insects and Diseases. 



"The Worrrv Wa^ puhi^hecj, .sir, for early rising'." 

JoKrv (J. Sax.£. 



Petunias ami Keel Spider.— Will the red 
spider trouble Petunias? 

Petunias are very apt to be troubled 
with red spider. If the leaves begin 
to turn brown and die off, you may be 
pretty sure the spider is at work. 
Frequent sprinkling- of the foliage will 
prevent the coming of the pest, the 
more to be dreaded as it is so insidu- 
ous. It is a good plan to spray every 
day, if the plants are grown in a com- 
mon sitting-room where the air is apt 
to be hot and dry, just the sort to suit 
the red spider, but death to the plants. 



3lildew on Flowers. — What is the white 
substance that sometimes appears on roses 
and other tiowers, and how removed or pre- 
vented ? 

It is mildew. A good remedy is 
flowers of sulphur dusted over the 
plants when they are moist. 



Kerosene Emulsion.- Give the recipe for 
makinir this useful remedy. 

Kerosene, two parts. Slightly sour 
milk, one part. Churn together until 
the two liquids unite. When small 
quantities are prepared, use an egg- 
beater. If a larger amount is desired, 
use a large brass syringe, which may 
be inserted in the liquid and used like 
a pump. Much agitation is needed to 
make the liquids unite. Use one part 
of the "butter" to twelve parts water. 
Spray the plants with this emulsion. 



Garden Moles.— How can moles be kept 
out of flower beds? 

To prevent moles from burrowing 
under the flower beds, excavate the 
bed to the depth of two feet, and 
board the sides, allowing the boards 
to extend three or four inches above 
the surface; then put in some porous 
material for draining, and fill with 
turfy loam, decayed manure and sand, 
well mixed. The bed will be all the 
better for this preparation, while the 
boards surrounding it will effectually 
prevent burrowing of moles. 



The Blaek Fly.— My Begonia drops its 
leaves prematurely. What alls it ? 

It is probable that the small black 
fly is getting in its work. It deposits 
its eggs in the soil and from these are 
developed the worms that injure the 
roots of the plant, Use lime water, 
and take a lump of fresh lime as large 
as a teacup to a pail of water, to make 
it. Apply the clear water, thoroughly 
saturating the soil of the pot, 

R«>d Spider on Fuchsias. — Are Fuchsias 
subject to red spider? 

Fuchsias are often troubled with 
red spider. Wash the leaves thorough- 
ly with soap-suds, and as thoroughly 
rinse with cold water. Do this twice a 
week until the pest is eradicated. 
When plants are badly " spidered." the 
best way is to strip off the leaves and 
burn them, and depend upon new 
growth to clothe the naked plants. 



Plant Lice.— What will kill plant lice? 

Wood ashes sprinkled on before a 
rain, or watering the plant with a tea 
made of wood ashes or soot, 



Wood-lice. — How can wood-lice be de- 
stroyed? 

By vigorous use of an old tooth- 
brush dipped in either strong soap- 
suds, kerosene or alcohol. 



Insects and Diseases. 



35 



The Mealy Bug.— Name some remedies for 
the mealy bug-. 

The best remedy we know is a mix- 
ture of strong soap-suds and soot, ap- 
plied with an old tooth-brush. The 
mealy bugs gets into all the small 
cracks of the bark, so that sprinkling 
or using the syringe will not be effec- 
tive. Soap-suds with a little sulphur 
will sometimes do the work. Kerosene 
may l>e used successfully. Alcohol 
diluted will be sure death. Powdered 
white hellebore is used sometimes with 
good success. 



Karth-Worms- How may earth-worms be 
removed from the soil in whieh plants are 
grown? 

In many ways. Small bits of cam- 
phor dug in the earth among the roots 
will kill them. A turnip cut in small 
bits and left on the surface of the soil 
at night will attract the worms to the 
surface, where it is easy to kill them. 
To sprinkle wood ashes over the sur- 
face of the soil will destroy them. 
Another exceedingly good preparation 
is carbonate of ammonia, one ounce to 
a gallon of water. 



Scale on Ivy.— How can scale be removed 
from ivy? 

Scraping with a knife is the only 
sure way. Treatment of any other 
kind is useless, yet care must be taken 
to not injure the bark of the plant. 



Aster- Worms. — What will destroy Aster- 
worms? 

Nothing has been discovered as yet 
that will destroy the real Aster- worm. 
The plant should be carefully watched, 
and stalks showing worms at once re- 
moved. 



Bed Spider.— What will prevent the com- 
ing- of the red spider ? 

Place a quart bowl of boiling water 
on the table among the plants every 
inorrting. The steam acts as a preven- 
tive. 



Green Fly.— What will exterminate green 
tiy ? How should tobacco be used ? 

Tobacco in some form. Make a 
strong solution by soaking tobacco 
stems in water, and syringe the plants 
thoroughly. Another way is to burn 
the tobacco stems, allowing the smoke 
to circulate among the leaves. Repeat 
the dose several times: it will surely 
do the work if used carefully and with 
a fair amount of patience. 



liulbs Botting. — Am troubled with bulbs 
rotting-. How can 1 prevent it? 

Bulbs may become infected by vari- 
ous diseases, and some forms will re- 
main in the ground for several years, 
attacking all the bulbs that may be 
planted in it, but the most frequent 
cause of rot is want of drainage. In 
deep, light, and well-drained soil there 
is little danger of bulbs rotting. 



Bose-Bugs.— What will conquer the rose- 
bug ? 

Patient picking off by hand is the 
surest way of conquering the rose-bug. 
Air-slacked lime on the bushes before 
a shower will sometimes prevent their 
coming. A strong tea of quassia-bark 
will sometimes destroy them. One 
always safe remedy is warm soap-suds, 
after using which the foliage should 
be carefully sprayed with clear warm 
water. 



Bose Slugs.— What can you recommend to 
destroy these pests of the rose bushes ? Give 
several remei ies. 

Sprinkle the plant with a liquid pre- 
pared as follows: To three gallons of 
water add one-fourth of an ounce of 
Paris green and one-fourth of an 
ounce of quicklime. Stir briskly, and 
apply while in motion. This material 
may be applied upon any plants 
troubled with enemies which eat the 
leaves or flowers. 

Whale-oil soap, one pound to eight 
gallons of water, and applied with a 
syringe for several days in succession. 
A strong suds made of soft soap is also 
good. Dusting the plants with pow- 
dered lime, Persian powder or sulphur 
is effective. A solution of carbonate 
of ammonia is perhaps one of the best 
remedies. Yet we would add one 
more, the best of all, wood ashes sifted 
on when the leaves are damp. 



Parattine Oil for Lice. — How should Para- 
tine oil be used to destroy lice? 

The oil should be diluted in the 
proportion of a half pint of oil to a 
gallon of water. This should be used 
on plants troubled with lice as often 
as twice a week. 



36 



Flower Queries. 



Wire-Worms.— How can I rid plant jars of 
wire-worms? 

Salt, either dry or in diluted solu- 
tion will prove very effective. 



Preventing Insert Pests. — Can trouble 
with insects be averted? 

It is sometimes possible to keep off 
Troublesome inserts by the systematic 
use of tobacco tea, using the tea as 
often as once in two weeks. 



Cold Water Injurious. — Does cold water 
injure plants to which it is applied ? 

Possibly. The water should be of 

about the temperature of the room 
where the plants are, although good 
authorities claim that water at 40° may 
be used when temperature is 80°. It 
is. however, likely that cold water has 
a tendency to check growth of tender 
roots. 



Insects on Rubber Plant. — Brown and 
black spots appear on my rubber plant. What 
causes them? 

They may come from an insect. Ex- 
amine for the red spider. If found, 
shower the plant freely every day. 
See that the roots have ample pot 
room. 



Yellow Geranium Leaves. — What is the 
cause of and remedy for geranium leaves 
turning- yellow ? 

Defective drainage or poor soil will 
cause the geranium leaves to turn yel- 
low, curl up and fall off. The plant 
should be re-potted in loam, leaf- 
mould and sand. 



Thrips.— What is the best way of destroying 
thrips? How would yon use the tobacco 
remedy? 

We consider tobacco the surest rem- 
edy, and fumigating the best way of 
administering it. AVhere this cannot 
conveniently be done, the syringe may 
be used with good results. When 
using the liquid tobacco for thrips it 
is well to add soap enough to make a 
strong suds ; this rarely fails to finish 
the pests. With small plants in pots 
it is sometimes easier and surer to use 
your tobacco and soap-suds with a 
sponge, taking each leaf gently enough 
to not disturb the thrip, which will be 
found on the under side of the leaf, 
and wiping- it carefully and yet firmly 
enough to kill every one. 



Lime AVater. — I* there any danger of using 
too much lime water in treating insects? 

No, as only a certain quantity <>t 
the element which causes death to* the 

insect can be held in suspension, and 
this quantity is not sufficient to cause 
injury to the plants. 



Tbe Aphis.— Is tobacco the only remedy 

for the aphis? 

No. There are many ways of gel 
ting rid of the aphis or green fly. 
Laurel leaves thoroughly bruised and 
placed on the soil under the plant, the 
plant then being covered for a few 
hours, will usually kill the aphis. 
Quassia tea will also destroy it. Two 
ounces of quassia chips steeped in a 
gallon of hot water makes tlie tea in 
which to dip the plant. Carbolic 
soap-suds at a temperature of about 
1-0 degrees is another good remedy. 
The plants after being dipped in the 
carbolic soap-suds should be carefully 
dipped into clean water, thoroughly 
washing the leaves. Clear hot water 
will also kill the aphis if used at a 
temperature as high as 150 degrees. 



Lice on Knses.— What will keep lice off 
roses ? 

To keep lice off your roses, fumi- 
gate them at least twice a week by 
burning tobacco stems. Syringing 
them daily will to a great extent pre- 
vent the coming of lice. Another 
method is to take a large pail or tub. 

! fill it with water that is warm to the 
touch, not scalding, just so you can 
hold your hand in: and Turn the rose- 
top down and hold the entire plant in 
the water for three or four minutes: 
take it out for a few minutes, then re- 
peat the bath, and you will find the 
lice all gone. After a few days repeat 
the process to kill what may have 
hatched since the firsT bath. Many 
house plants will amply repay one for 
this simple treatment, by more thrifty 

I growth, aside from the benefit of get- 
ting rid of insect life. 



The Scale.— Will white hellebore destroy 
the scale? 

White hellebore and soap-suds will 
destroy the scale. Persian insecticide 
and many of the solutions used for 
aphis will also be effective with the 
scale. 



Insects and Diseases. 



37 



lied Ants.— H w can red ants be exter- 
minated? 

Various remedies are popularly sup- 
posed to i>c effective for getting rid of 
them, among which ;ire mentioned 
chalk lines, i. e., lines made with white 
chalk upon the floor or shelves, or 
around boxes. These, it is asserted, 
will stop their progress, as they will 
no1 cross theiu. Another is the free 
use of powdered cinnamon in the cup- 
boards and closets and on the edge of 
the boxes. For this purpose, it would 
be best to e-et the cinnamon bark and 
have it ground, as that sold in the 
s!n i[>s is undoubtedly very much adul- 
terated. Brushing the floors and 
shelves with a .solution of carbolic 
acid is recommended, and where there 
are no children, and care is exercised 
in the use of it. corrosive sublimate 
may be used, either in the solution or 
in a powdered form. Still another 
remedy, which a housekeeper of some 
years experience used with entire suc- 
cess was kerosene used freely in the 
Cracks in the floor and on the shelves. 
Benzine would probably be equally 
successful. But first, and most neces- 
sary of all, is to do away with the 
source of attraction to them. Shelves 
and floors, and all of their resorts, 
must be made scrupulously clean. 



Grubs in Pots.- 
destroyinjj grubs ? 



-Is there any sure way of 



The only safe and sure way of re- 
moving grubs is to turn the plant out 
of the pot and find the grub. Almost 
anything powerful enough to kill the 
grub will also kill the plant. 



is the best way of 



Tobacco Tea. — What 
making tobacco tea '.- 

Simply take a handful of tobacco 
stems and steep them by pouring boil- 
ing water over them until it looks like 
strong tea. When ir is cool pour it 
over the plants. 



Heliotrope Turning Brown. — What is the 
cause of the heliotrope sometimes turning 
brown? 

Either from lack of water or lack of 
root room. It is difficult for the water 

to percolate through the very fine 
roots of this plant. 



Wliitn Worms. — What will destroy white 
worms? 

Camphor. One teaspoon of liquid 
camphor in a pint of water. This 
will destroy instantly, but should 
be repeated occasionally. Camphor 
water not only destroys the insects 
but acts as a stimulant to many plants, 
such as geraniums, lilies, roses, cacti, 
begonias, and many others. Lime- 
water is another good remedy; a 

tablespoonful twice a week. 



Insects on Chrysanthemums. — Please 
give remedies for' black aphides and thrips 
which infest chrysanthemums and other 
plants. 

The chrysanthemum, although more 
exempt from insect enemies than al- 
most any other genus of plants, be- 
comes sometimes infested with black 
aphides, which may be easily removed 
by fumigation in the house, or by 
sprinkling the plants with tobacco 
dust, if outdoors. The white and 
black thrips are also troublesome oc- 
casionally, but yield to the same treat- 
ment and plenty of water. 



Angle-Worms.— How may the angle-worm 
be destroyed? 

A few applications of lime-water 
will generally destroy the angle-worm. 



Ants. — What will drive ants away from 
flower beds? 

Scatter powdered borax among the 
flower beds troubled with tints. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Hiscellaneous Queries. 



"Your Voic^le-s-s Hf>5, O floWer-s! arc living preachers, 
Ea(;l\ cuf> a pulpit, <;Vcry leaf a book, 
Supplying to tr\y f&t\Qy (\uhr\crouA tcachx*"- 5 ? 
From loneliest h,ook." 

Horace Smith. 



Scarlet Sage. — What is the best way of 
growing- the Scarlet Sage? 

The Scarlet Sage, or Salvia splen- 
dens, may be grown from cuttings or 
from seed, the latter method being the 
better. The seed should be sown very 
early in the spring and transplanted 
into small pots, and again in May into 
open ground. It is a rank grower, 
and should be pinched back in its 
early growth to form compact plants. 
It requires a deep, rich soil and plenty 
of water. The flowers come in the 
early fall and continue till frost conies. 
and are exceedingly beautiful. 



The Godetii. -When should the seed of the 
Godetia be sown, and what are its require- 
ments? 

The seed should be sown early in 
the spring in hot-beds or in the house. 
In transplanting they should not be 
crowded, as the sun needs to get at 
the soil around the roots to produce 
flowers. They are very showy, with 
a profusion of rosy lilac blossoms. 
When groAvn in the house the seed 
should be sown in autumn. They re- 
quire a mellow, light soil. 



Castor Beans. — What are the best varieties 
of Castor Beans for bedding? 

R. Borboniensis Arboreus, (Grigan- 
teus), immense green foliage; Sanguin- 
eus, a distinct variety with beautiful 
brownish-red foliage and bright seed 
pods, and is very effective; Oambod- 
tjensis, large palm-like leaves of the 
darkest bronzy maroon; stalk and 
stem nearly black. 



Halsams.— How soon after planting- seed 
will Balsams be larg-e.enough to transplant ? 

In about six or eight weeks they 
should be sufficiently large for trans- 
planting. 



Pancratium. — Is the Pancratium suitable 
for a window garden ? 

We cannot recommend the Pancra- 
tium for the window. It belongs to 
the southern states, and when brought 
north thrives better with hot-house 
care. It can be grown in a dwelling 
house, but requires the most watchful 
care and very even temperature. 



The Antirrhinum.— Will the Antirrhinum 
bloom the first summer? 

It will not only bloom well the first 
summer but often so profusely as to 
weaken the plant. By using a little 
care and cutting off some of the flower 
stalks the growth will be more vigor- 
ous, and they will sometimes blossom 
three seasons in succession. Still it is 
usually better to raise new plants 
every other year. They require a 
light covering to protect them from 
the severity of the winter. 



The Flame Flower.— What soil is required 
for the Flame flower, and is it hardy? 

The Flame flower will grow in any 
well-drained soil, the deeper and richer 
the better. They are not entirely 
hardy, and to be on the safe side their 
roots should either be taken up before 
severe frosts occur or else covered with 
leaves or light mulching material. 



Miscellaneous Queries. 



39 



Nicotiana Affinis.— Tell Ihe nature and re- 
quirements of Nicotiana affinis. 

It grows most easily from seed. Its 
growth is most luxuriant, a single 

plant sometimes holding sixty flowers 
at a time. The flowers are pure white 
and they give out at evening a most 
delightful ' fragrance. When grown 
outdoors the seeds sow themselves. 
When potted the plant after flowering 
should be cut down and allowed to 
rest, after which resume watering, and 
new growth will quickly come. 



Delphiniums.— Are Delphiniums hardy, 
and how should they be started and cared for ? 

Delphiniums are hardy herbaceous 
plants. The seed should be sown in 
midsummer and protected by a frame 
or heavy covering of leaves in the 
winter. The flowers come early in 
the season and after flowering the 
plants may be cut back, after which 
they will make new growth and 
flower freely in the autumn. 



Heliotropes.— Lift and pot old plants 
early and they will bloom in spring. 
Late potted plants may bloom well 
but cannot be relied on. Vernations — 
If flower shoots have been pinched off 
during earl v summer, by August they 
should be quite stocky. Do not pot 
them until September. People who 
do not have greenhouses— nothing but 
their windows to depend on for their 
winter blossoms— had better begin to 
lift and pot their plants early, in order 
to have them well rooted and estab- 
lished in the pots while the weather is 
warm and favorable. Such plants 
bloom better and sooner than poorly 
rooted ones. See to it that all plants 
are properly cleaned and free from 
mealy bugs', red spider, and scale. 
These insects increase immensely on 
indoor plants. Have soil and clean 
pots ready, ami as soon as you pot a 
plant, if it needs it. stake and tie it. 



Winter-blooming Plants.— Please name a 
select list of winter-blooming: plants, with 
brief references as to culture. 

Among the best winter-bl< >< uners are 
the following: Bouvardias. — Pot them 
in August or early September and get 
them well rooted before cold weather. 
They are very tender. Handle care- 
fully. Gloxinias. — Lift the bulbs in 
October and store them in boxes of 
earth or sand. They require three or 
four months' solid rest. PoinseWas. — 
These should not be planted out in 
summer, as they lift poorly. Keep 
them dry after finishing blooming. 
They require warmth and water. Cin- 
erarias. — Seedlings should be re-potted 
before they get pot-bound. Old plants 
should be broken up and each sprout 
treated as a separate plant. Give 
plenty of water. Calceolaria*. — Treat 
similar to Cinerarias, and if seedlings 
be very careful about keeping them 
cool and clean. Chinese Primroses. — 
Grow them in a cool, lightly-shaded 
cold frame; do not let them get dry; 
re-pot them when they need it. Calla-s. 
— Get them well-rooted before cold 
weather comes. They need a rich, 
turfy soil and plenty of water. N<i*- 
turt'ums. — Grow young plants from 
seeds or cuttings, in pots out-of-doors. 
They are long bloomers and fine win- 
dow plants. Violets. — ('online the 
plants to nice crowns by cutting off 
the runners. Choose young plants. 



Mignonette.- Can Mignonette be success- 
fully grown in the house? 

One very easy way of growing Mig- 
nonette in the house is to simply 
scatter seed on the top of the soil of 
your potted Geraniums. Pots that 
are in partial shade will give a rank 
growth of leaves and flowers. Sweet 
Alyssum and Candytuft can be grown 
in the same way. only that they re- 
quire more sun. 

Dwarf Convolvulus.— Are the flowers of 
the Dwarf convolvulus as large as those of 
tne ordinary morning- glory V What soil does 
it require? 

They are not as large, though of the 
same shape and colors. The dwarf 
commolvulus is a beautiful bedding 
plant, very eas\ to cultivate. The 
seed should be sown in deep, rich soil 
as early in the spring as the ground 
can be worked, and covered about an 
inch deep. It is also a beautiful 
flower for use in hanging baskets. 



Classification of Pansies. — What are the 
general divisions of pansies? 

They are generally divided into self- 
colored, of an even shade of color. 
Three-spotted, or face pansies. a dis- 
tinct face in the center; five spotted, 
or odier pansies, a dark spot on each 
petal ; edged, or bordered pansies. with 
a distinct border around each petal.; 
and fancy pansies. Show pansies 
must have special merits for exhibi- 
tion purposes. 



i- 



Flower Queries. 



- >u im; Paiisies.— When should Pansy seed 

i m\ [i :- 

The besi answer to this is given by 

- Sheehan, as l aiows: " The 

stoni i- to sow pansy seed in 

e are in favor of spring 

have tried sowing seed 

isons, and find that plants 

grown from spring-sown seed I >1< >< >ni 

freely throughout the hot 

hsof summer, while plants raised 

ill soy ing become exhausted, and 

I flowering much sooner. Seed 

in March, in light, rich soil, will 

liiii blooming plants the same 

»n. Pansies are hardy, if they 

good protection with a litter of 

>s or straw, or any light covering, 

i should be removed very early 

H'ing, or ,-i- s< ion as danger 

.ivy frosts is over. Plants re 

ingii ground through the winter, 

care is given them, will 

in v r < early in the spring, as soon 

e I'r »st is out of the ground. We 

?een the frail blossoms peep- 

ing up I rough the --now. but the 

bi on xhausted ami cease 

ring before midsummer. It is 
possible to ha> bloom through- 

ire winter by taking up old 
a the open ground in i >cto- 
ully planting them in a 
- i col frame in a sheltered loca- 
•ing ! he frame with glazed 
s is o me by florists 

lemands the 11' >wers at 
seas< i of the year, and especially 
in spring. Treated thus, they 
-: r abundantly. The same can be 
kvii I , \ iolets. Pa nsies require a 
and a _ >ocl, rich, loamy 
an occasional watering 
n i he dry seasi >n x - III help 
" 



Fuchsia Procuinbens. — Is the Fuchsia pro- 
eumbens of trailing growth? 

TheFuchsia procumbensis of slen- 
der, trailing habit. A beautiful plant 
for brackets or hanging baskets. The 

flowers are small hut a bright red. 



Coleus.— ( an Coleus be gr< wn quickly Irom 
le - 

e easih grown from seeds 

ne with great variety in 

The} an most desirable 

f -corative beds cut in lawns. They 

ept ti immed - » as to produce 

m >st beautiful effects. 



Canterbury Bells. — Do Canterbury Bells 
require any unusual soil '.- 

No; they are among the old-fash- 
ioned garden favorites and require 
onlv ordinarv conditions and care. 



Primula Obcnnica. — Is the Primrose, Piini- 
i ree bloomer? 

Tlie Primula obconiea is one of the 

ail Primroses. A very free 

uer iving as many as ten flower 

a time. The flowers are 

; ly tinged with lilac, and 

ha ' e t he true primrose fragrance. 



Care <>i Geraniums.— How should Ge alli- 
um-; be treated to secure winter blooming, 
and what fertilizer would you recommend .- 

I reranium plants that have flowered 
during the summer should not he ex 
pected to continue to bloom equally 
well in the winter. They should be 
specially grown during summer, and 
the best specimens should be selected 
for the purpose. In potting, says 
Mr. ('has. E. Parnell. select porous 
or soft-baked pots, proportionate to 
Tii" si/.e of the plant, and place in the 
bottom of each at least an inch of 
broken pots to insure a perfect drain 
age. Keep the plant- in the center of 
the pots, and firm the soil well around 
their roots. When the plants are pot- 
ted, water thoroughly, and place in a 
shady situation fora week or ten days, 
after winch they should he exposed to 
the sun. Have them well supplied 
with water, and remove all flower 
buds until it is time to bring them in- 
which will be on the approach of 
cool weather. (rive them a light, 
sunny situation, and an average tem- 
perature of -V> degrees. D > not crowd 
the plants, and turn them occasionally, 
so a- to develop an even, symmetrical 
shape. When large specimens are de- 
sired the plants should he re-potted 
as often as the pots become filled with 
roots, or until they have reached tin- 
desired size, when they can he treated 
as above advised. 

The most suitable compost for < lera 
niiim- is a mixture of two-third- well- 
rotted sods from an old pasture: one- 
third well-decayed manure, and a fair 
sprinkling of bone-dust, thoroughly 
mixed and pulverized before using. 
Water should he given as often as 
necessary, care being taken to give an 
ample supply, ami when the pots he- 
come tilled with roots, liquid manure 
water should be given twice a week. 
One ounce of guano, dissolved in two 
gallons of water, will he a proper pro- 
portion for tin- purpose. 



Miscellaneous Queries. 



41 



Carnations. — Are there any varietii 

ition^that will blooml,the first summer 
seed '.- 

The Gruillaud carnation] and the 
Mad. Gruillaud. 



Carnations for Winter. — What must be 
■ . prepare Carnations for winter bloom '.- 

When only a few inches high the 

pruning of the plants should begin r<> 

produce side shoots and an abundance 

oi buds. They should be kept inoder- 

moist and watered occasionally 

with liquid manure. During the 

winter they require an even tempera- 

of about 10 degrees to produce 

inosl perfect blossoms. 



Salpigiossis.— When should the seed of the 
Salpiglossis i>" sown, and are the plants hardy? 

- eds should not be sown in the 
open ground before the latTt-r part of 
May or first of June. They will do 
best in light, warm soils. They do 
not bloom until late in summer, and 
show best when arranged in clumps of 
from Three to five plant-. Seed should 
!><• sown in -hallow pans, in light, rich 
soil mixture of equal parts of peat. 
loam and leaf-mold, or peat may be 
omitted. The plants are not entirely 
ha rdv. 



Azaleas in Summer. — "What care does the 
,t require during the summer? 

The plant should be placed outdoors 
i airy, partially shady place. If 
pot- are filled with roots, or I'OOt- 
id as we often say, the plant 

should be given a large pot with rich 
and plenty of drainage. Azaleas 

- fer greatly from over-watering, yet 
ssive dryness will do quite as 

n ch harm. 



Umbrella Plant.— What soil does tin um- 

i plant require '.- 
The Umbrella plant will -row in al- 
most any kind of -oil it it is kept 
p. The whole secret is moisture, 
■ait flooding the plant. 



The Godeti». — What is the best exposure 
foi tin.' Godetia. 

The Grodetia will endure almost any 

isure, although its delicate, al- 

transparent petals thrives best 

:i sheltered, partially shaded situa- 

■ 



Orchids.— Name some varieties of Orchids 
for bouse culture. 

'rlir Cyprepedium pseviflorum, 
»' adnidum, (J. spectabile, < '. pube- 
- are the most desirable tor house 
are. 



The Lantana —Will tin- Lantana do as well 
In ots as beaded out ? 

Almost as well. The Lantana lias 

most generally used as an out 

do >r plant for summer blooming, but 

fully potted and freely watered it 

-a beautiful plant for a window 

garden; especially one variety called 

feb I >on ( 'almet. 



Camellias.— When should Camellias be 
started for winter blooming '.- 

.lame- Sheehan says in "Your 
Plants' : "Camellias bloom in the 
winter, and at no other season of the 
year. Plants should be purchased of 
the florist in the fall or early in winter, 
and such plants as have flower-buds 
ahead} formed; those plants, if kept 
in the right atmosphere, will bloom 
profusely, hut they must have an 
atmosphere of 50 degrees until the 
buds are all expanded, after which 
there will ]>•- no danger of the flowers 
blasting. .X- soon as the bloom has 
all passed off. the plants should be 
taken from their coo! quarters and 
placed with the other plants in a warm 
temperature, and watered freely, to 
encourage a vigorous growth previous 
to removing them out-of-doors in the 
spring. As soon as all danger of heavy 
frosts is over in the spring, the plant's 
should he taken from the house and 
removed to some shady location, under 
a grape-arbor, in a pit or frame cover- 
ed with shades: here leave them stand- 
ing in the pots, 'plunging' the pots in 
earth or sand to prevent too rapid dry- 
ing out. The summer is the period in 
which the flower-buds are formed that 
bloom in winter: the plants should lie 
kept growing, and watered freely 
throughout the summer. They must 
i.e left out of -doors as long as the 
weather will permit, but, on the ap- 
proach of frost take the plants into 
tlie house, and let them stand in a 
cool room, where the temperature is 
not over 50 degrees. This is the criti- 
cal time, for if they are removed into 
a warm temperature of 70 or 80 degrees 
the buds will all blast and dropoff. 
and no flowers will he produced. If 
the plants are large and well-budded, 
a succession of bloom will be yielded 
throughout the entire winter." 



42 



Flower Queries. 



The Cactus.— Will you give some hints on 
the cultivation of the Cactus? 

It is a very difficult matter for the 
amateur florist to grow the Cactus 
from seed. It is quite as hard as it is 
to kill the plant after it is once well 
grown. In purchasing these plants 
ascertain if possible their native home, 
and then try to make the conditions 
surrounding them as nearly similar as 
possible to those of their habitat. 
Study their habits and apply common- 
sense methods in their care. Sandy 
soil is not absolutely necessary for 
cacti. A mixture of other soils often 
proves advantageous. It should be 
porous and easily drained. Loam, 
leaf-mould or common garden soil 
mixed with sand will often make finer 
plants. During winter keep the soil 
as dry as possible and give plenty of 
light and air; little heat and sunshine. 
When growth begins in spring, in- 
crease the moisture and give full sun- 
light and keep plants growing rapidly. 
Do not fertilize too heavily; a weak 
liquid fertilizer is sufficient. Avoid 
exposing the plants to the protracted 
and fierce rays of the sun if grown in 
small pots of sandy soil. In setting 
the pot in the ground, excavate a hole 
for it and put in a layer of coal ashes 
and cinders. Set the pot on those and 
fill in around it with soil. 



Ten-week Stock.— Is Ten-week Stock a 
good winter bloomer? 

It is if you grow the plant intended 
for winter use, in pots, through the 
season. Sow the seed in pots, and al- 
low half a dozen or so plants to grow in 
each pot until they bloom. A large 
proportion of them will be single; pull 
these up, and keep the others growing- 
through the summer, not permitting 
them to bloom much. Pinch in fre- 
quently to insure stocky growth. 
Never allow seed to form if flowers are 
wanted. The greatest enemy to this 
plant in the house is the red spider. 
As a preventive, apply water to under 
side of foliage every day. 

Ivy-leaved Geraniums. — What soil should 
lie used in potting- Ivy-leaved Geraniums v 

A good, rich garden soil, with a 
small quantity of lime. Liquid man- 
ure about once a month is the I test 
fertilizer for the ivy leaved geranium. 
Cuttings should be planted late in 
August. They grow very rapidly and 
require frequent re-potting. 



Propagation of Fuchsias. — Are Fuchsias 
easily propagated ? 

James Sheehan says: -They are 
easily propagated, either from cut- 
tings or by layers, and the amount of 
bloom one strong, healthy plant is 
capable of producing under favorable' 
circumstances, is truly wonderful. The 
right kind of soil has everything to do 
with success in growing fine fuchsias; 
it should be of a light, peaty quality, 
with one-third cow manure, and 
thoroughly mixed together until well 
decayed. They also relish an abund- 
ance of water; and if they have, while 
growing, an application of liquid 
manure once or twice a week, it will 
be beneficial; never allow the roots to 
1 )(•(•< >me pot-bouhd, but when the roots 
begin to form a mat on the outside of 
the ball of earth, it is time to shift 
the plant into a pot of the next larger 
size, and so on as the plant requires it. 
This is a very important point, and 
should not be overlooked if strong, 
healthy plants are expected. 



The Ageratuiii.— How can the Asperatum 
be best propagated, from cuttings or from the 
seed, and can thev be grown under glass in 
winter successfully ? 

The Ageratum may be propagated 
from either cuttings or seeds, the lat- 
ter being the best method of procur- 
ing the superior varieties. Yet it is 
not always easy to procure cuttings, 
and seed-propagation must be adopt- 
ed. Seeds should be sown about the 
end of March, in a well-drained pot or 
pan filled with light, sandy soil. Sow 
them thinly, cover with a mere dust- 
ing of soil, and place in a warm, moist 
place close to the glass. So soon as 
the young plants are strong enough to 
handle, they should be transferred in- 
to shallow boxes filled with light, 
loamy soil, in rows an inch and a half 
apart each way. These young plants 
should be kept close and moist until 
they become well established and 
growth commences, when they are to 
lie removed to a cooler and more airy 
situation until all danger of frost is 
over, when they can be planted out- 
side. 

Oxalis.— How should the Oxalis be potted? 

The pots should be well-filled; as 
many as twelve bulbs in a six-inch 
pot. Leaf mould and sand suits them 
well. They grow readily and bloom 
steadily. 



Miscellaneous Queries. 



43 



Nasturtiums. — Would you choose Nastur- 
tiums lor summer or for winter blooming? 

Both. Enough can hardly be said 
in favor of Nasturtiums, the cheer- 
iest, most generous of flowers. Try 
this plan: Purchase a large packet of 
mixed varieties; plant half the seed 
outside. They will soon begin to 
bloom, and will produce quantities of 
blossoms all summer, until killed by 
the frosts. About the middle of sum- 
mer a few seeds, from the half packet, 
are planted in a pot, and sunk in the 
open border, and the vines trained on 
a fancy trellis fastened securely in the 
pot. This will be entirely covered 
with the beautiful foliage, and many 
blossoms will begin to appear, when 
it is time to take it in the house. A 
few seeds may be started in a pot of 
good garden soil at any time, and as 
they wil] begin to bloom about nine 
or ten weeks from the time of plant- 
ing, you may plan to have a large pot 
of the blooming beauties, ready to 
present to an invalid, or friend, when 
ever you wish, during the winter. But 
late in the fall you will find many 
green seed pods, even if the blossoms 
have been picked before fading, many 
down back of the leaves, will form 
seeds before you notice them and just 
before the frost, the last blossoms may 
be allowed to "go to seed " ; and you 
will be surprised to find what a quan- 
tity of these pods may be gathered 
from a few feet of trellis which has 
oeen covered with the vines all 
summer. 



Azaleas.— Can Azaleas be well grown in the 
house? 

There is no plant more easily culti- 
vated, when once understood, than 
the Azalea. They bloom in the winter 
and must rest in some shady, cool 
spot during the entire summer. It is 
luring this season of rest that they 
throw out the branches that give the 
luxuriant bloom of the winter. They 
need not be brought into the house 
until just before severe frosts; then 
given good care, and an atmosphere 
not far from or above 60 degrees, they 
will give constant pleasure for months. 



Sweet Violets.— Will Sweet Violetsblossom 
in the house? 

Yes. Place them in pots early in 
the fall, but do not bring them in till 
cold weather really comes; then put 
them in a room where they can have 
sun but only stove or furnace heat 
enough to keep them from freezing. 
When ready to bloom, bring them 
into a warmer room, but keep them 
as far from the heat as possible. They 
must have water in abundance, both 
on soil and foliage, 



Propagating Verbenas.— Is there any '"best 
way" of propagating the Verbena? 

A good way, which may not be the 
best, however, is as follows: At the 
close of the bedding season select the 
best in color, and place a handful of 
the runners in a shallow box, three or 
four inches deep, and throw over them 
a shovel of road sand. Water them 
and put them in the shady side of a 
cold frame or pit. Don't let them 
grow over the edge of the box from 
November until March. In March 
pinch off every terminal eye, cover 
with an inch or two of swamp moss 
mixed with a little bone-dust, say one- 
twentieth its bulk, and set the box in 
the sun. Then you will see them 
grow, and you will have all the plants 
you wish. 

Sliad Bnsli.- Will the ordinary Shad Bush 
bear transplanting? 

The Shad Bush bears transplanting 
admirably. Few indigenous trees or 
shrubs repay one better for cultiva- 
tion. The flowers become larger and 
more abundant, the general character 
of the plant is improved. The earlier 
in the spring the bushes are dug up the 
better and for one year after trans- 
planting they should be severely 
pruned and kept from blossoming. 



Gladiolus, the First Season. — Will the 
Gladiolus blossom the first season ? 

Sometimes, but they cannot be de- 
pended upon to do so. Ordinarily, it 
takes a second year's culture of the 
bulb to produce good flowers. 



Wintering of Oleanders. — Fow should 
Oleanders be wintered ? 

Oleanders may be wintered in a light, 
cool cellar, giving them but little 
water. They should be transplanted 
in the spring and at this time, the 
long straggling branches should be 
cut back ; they will soon throw out 
young shoots, forming handsome, 
bushy plants. Oleanders are apt to 
be troubled with a whitish scale. Fre- 
quent syringing will usually prevent, 
its coming:. 



44 



Flower Queries. 



The Lemoine Gladiolus.— Can you tell me 
of a choice variety of hardy Gladiolus? 

Yes. The Lemoine. This variety is 
some two or three weeks earlier than 
other varieties. In shape thej sonie- 
what resemble a beautiful orchid and 
yellow, white, brown, crimson, pink 
arc blended together producing an 
effect seen in no other flowers. They 
are >aid To be hardy, but have not 
been Tested many seasons through 
northern winters. 



Pomegranate. — Can the Pomegranate be 
wintered outdoors? 

No. The Pomegranate is only hardy 
in the south. In the north it must be 
kept in cellars and watered very spar- 
ingly. The plants are easily propa- 
gated either from roots or from cut- 
tings. They require judicious prun- 
ing; large branches should be cut 
rathei- than the little twigs, as the lit- 
tle twigs bear The flowers. 



Bluets.— How may Bluets 1> i propagated? 
Bluets are easily grown from seeds. 

The botanical name is Houstonia 
coerulea. 



Tecoiua Mackeitil.— Where does the Tecoma 
Mackeuii come trom, and what are its habits of 
growth ? 

It is a native of Caffraria in South 
Africa. It is a strikingly beautiful 
vine. ( )ne specimen of it is thus well 
described in Park's Floral Magazine: 
" It had formed a great sheaf of shoots 
Ten feet through and fifteen feet high, 
and held hundreds of very large race 
nies of trumpet-shaped flowers quite 
Three Inches long and broad, colored 
bright rosy lilac, with a few darker 
pencilings and a blotch of yellow in 
the throat. The mass was a glorious 
picture." 



Night-blooming Cereus. — How may the 
Night-blooming Cereus be made to blossom 
freely ? 

James Sheehan says : " These plants 
can lie made to bloom freely by keep- 
ing the soil quite dry. and allowing 
them very little pot-room, as they de- 
pend more upon the atmosphere Than 
the soil for their growth. We have 
known large plants of a n uzfirandiflonts 
to produce as many as twenty-five tine 
blossoms each in the course of a sea- 
son. AVe have found that liquid man- 
ure, if applied to these plants about 
once a month, and when the soil about 
them is very dry, will work wonders 
in their growth, and when a rapid 
growth can he obtained, there will he 
no trouble in having an abundance of 
flowers at regular intervals. ('are 
must lie taken not to have the liquid 
too strong. A small quantity of brick 
dust, mixed with the soil in which 
thev are growing, will be beneficial." 



Reserve lieds.— What is the best plan tor a 
reserve bed ? 

The plan of a kitchen garden; 
that is plant your seeds or roots in 
rows. All quick-growing, free-bloom- 
ing flowers desirable for picking should 
be in a reserve bed. This kind of a 
bed usually makes a good place for 
plants that are weary with winter con- 
finement — a place where they may 
grow without being forced. 



Chrysanthemums in Pots. — Can Chrysan- 
themums be brought to as great perfection 
out-of-doors as when grown continuously in 
pots? 

To obtain the best results in shape 
and color of flowers and the highest 
development in general, pot-growing 
of this plant is preferable. That well 
known authority. John Thorpe, gives 
his plants the following treatment: 
Take the cuttings, or suckers, from 
the parent plant when they are three 
to four inches in length. About the 
first week in March the young plants 
are potted in three-inch pots in ordin- 
ary potting soil. As soon as required, 
they are re-potted into four-inch pots 
in soil to which about a fiftieth part 
of bone-dust is added. The next shift 
is into six-inch pots, well drained, and 
in soil composed of rich, turfy loam, 
with a good sprinkling of bone dust. 
The plants are kept in the house until 
the first of May, "stopped" from time 
to time as required, ami afterward 
plunged outside in an easterly expos- 
ure. They have to be kept carefully 
watered ail the time, and given occas 
ionai soakings of guano water — one 
ounce of guano to three gallons <>l 
water being a good proportion. By 
the first of June all are potted into 
their blooming pots, stoppingand ty- 
ing the shoots as required. From the 
beginning of -Inly until taken in the 
house in October, they have to be 
watered several times a da>'. every two 
or three hours sometimes; and this. 
although expensive, is absolutely nec- 
essary for the production of the be>T 
developed flowers. The last "stop- 
ping" is made the last week in July. 



CHAPTER X. 



Floral Hints. 



"Frc*r\ bucj-s are tke-se, of re4> a*4 pirxk, ai\d gold, 
Mo5< c^eliQatcl} frit\gcc|, wkile fold orvfold, 
TKcy grace tkc -sle*der *teh\, ar\d all day lor\g, 
WaVe geKtly to tl\e tul\e of glad fc>ird--sol\g." 
P\<.. Lebat\or» Cedar Bovjgks. 



Dahlias love .1 moist atmosphere. 

Moisture is sure death to red spider. 

The best flowers make the best 
seeds. 

Mignonette does not require much 
water. 

Begonias like a moist shady place in 
summer. 

A Tulip l>e<l should be re-made every 
three years. 

Nearly all ferns like a moist, cool 
atmosphere. 

Small plants are best cleansed by 
dipping them. 

Few plants will succeed in a hot. 
dry atmosphere. 

Salt to slimy worms or snails is a 
terrible dressing. 

Baking the earth in an oven will 
kill all insect life. 

Place your Primroses in an east 
window if possible. 

The Fuchsia likes partial shade' and 
plenty of moisture. 

Cacti will endure all the sun that 
may be given them. 

Plants require water less frequently 
in hard-burned pots. 

Do not water a plant till it needs it. 
then do it thoroughly. 

Small pots tend to dwarf the 
growth of most plants. 

Heliotropes should be established in 
pots before September. 

Most ferns thrive better in partial 
-hade than in sunlight. 

The odor of the alder is very ob- 
noxious to most insects. 

Lifting plants should be done, if 
possible on cloudy days. 

Hyacinths potted in September will 
bloom at Christmas time. 



Carbonate of ammonia is a good 
preventive for most insects. 

Take Coleus slips from as near the 
top of the plant as possible. 

Do not try to root bulbs in a tern 
perature under sixty degrees. 

All Dutch bulbs and lilies must lie 
protected through the winter. 

In keeping plants in summer avoid 
exposure of the pots to the sun. 

Hydrangeas may be fed with liquid 
manure until the flowers appear. 

Cinerarias and Calceolarias love the 
Light, hut dislike direct sunshine. 

A freshly potted plant will not stand 
stimulant, but a mass of roots will. 

Dee]) trenching and liberal manur- 
ing is one secret of a good Rose bed. 

Gloxinia seedlings raised in March 
will bloom in August or September. 

Porous flower pots are better than 
glazed or hard burned for general use. 

AVhen seed is not to be saved, plants 
should never be allowed to bear seed. 

Heliotropes should never be allowed 
to become completely dry at the roots. 

The best medicine for a sick plant 
is sunshine, charcoal and good drain- 
age. 

Orchids are essentially heat lover-: 
like Palms, they are children of the 
sun. 

if shrubs are pruned too late in the 
season, the new wood will not ripen 
well. 

Annuals for cut flower work should 
be planted out in May and watered 
freely. 

A few plants in your sleeping room 
will not harm you, but unless the 
room is ventilated at night, you will 
I harm them. 



46 



Flower Queries. 



Narcissus bulbs should be trans- 
planted every two years to insure 
blooming. 

Don't briny your bulbs from the 
dark cellar to the sunniest window in 
the house. 

All perennial plants and bulbs 
should have a light covering during 
the winter. 

Cayenne pepper or capsicum is 
very hard on caterpillars and other 
soft insects. 

The secret of handsome Coleus in 
the house is changing- the pot as soon 
as full of roots. 

A layer of moss over the drainage in 
large pots will keep the soil from 
washing down. 

Flat dishes rilled with wet sand are 
useful for short-stalked or heavy- 
headed flowers. 

Chrysanthemums should have par- 
tial shade in summer, and a liberal 
supply of water. 

('alias should rest through the sum- 
mer till August or September, then 
lift and re-pot them. 

Spireas require very little pruning 
if the flowers are carefully cut during 
the season of blossoming. 

A little fine dust lime mixed with 
soil will destroy many plant enemies 
and improve the fertility. 

Most biennials sown in the fall will 
bloom the following summer, if lightly 
protected during the winter. 

Self-sown seedlings are generally 
better and will bloom earlier than 
those from the spring-sown seed. 

In arranging flowers in vases, if there 
are to be many of them, use the 
delicate shades: if few, the deeper 
tones. 

Violets should be planted in frames 
in September, runners removed and 
watered copiously while growing and 
blossoming. 

Bone dust is clean, nearly scentless 
and suits the purpose of a stimulant 
very well, but should be used in very 
small quantities. 

Rose bushes may be pruned rather 
severely in the early spring to en- 
courage the growth of quantities of 
blooming branches. 

Verbenas to do their best must have 
rich soil and a sunny position ; have 
the branches pegged down and all 
fading flowers cut off. 

Cleanliness among people, cleanli- 
ness among plants (it all amounts to 
the same thing), means better health 
and better appearance. 



The water for watering plants, sum 
nier or winter, should be warm enough 
not to chill the hand. 

For large vases. Cyperus alternifolia 
or Umbrella plant can also be used as 
a water plant and so may the Call; 1 . 
lily. 

The Chrysanthemum is a gross 
feeder. It requires rich soil. Never 
allow it to become pot-bound in its 
early stages of growth. 

Don't be afraid to leave your pots in 
the cellar after planting the bulbs. 
Nature's plan is to start root growth 
slowly, and in the dark. 

Do not let your plants set always 
in the same position: move them 
around at least every week, ami they 
will not grow so one sided. 

By keeping beds and borders clean 
and thoroughly and frequently culti- 
vated during the summer months, we 
much reduce the need of watering. 

The general remedy for white scale 
is to scrub the infested plant with a 
bristle brush and soap suds, but the 
best remedy is to throw it in the fire. 

Eben E. Rex ford, a good authority. 
sa ys : "If I were obliged to confine 
myself to one plant for a hanging 
basket, that plant would be "the 
Oxalis." 

Plant lice can often be gotten rid of 
by pinning a white (doth over the 
plant at night. The insects will leave 
the plant for the cloth and can then 
be burned. 

All fern leaves, before being used 
after they are cut, should be sub- 
merged tor half an hour or so in water ; 
they will last much longer and keep 
their color better. 

Don't over water Herbaceous Cal- 
ceolarias as they will decay. They 
are likely to lie infested with aphides 
to prevent which frequent smoking 
or syringing with tobacco water is 
necessary. 

The India Rubber plant {Firm 
eloKtica) requires a warm room in 
winter. It will cast its foliage when 
in a cool room. It likes plenty of 
moisture at the roots when in full 
growth, I >ut avoid to much water in 
winter culture. 

A great many tender summer bloom- 
ing bulbs may be potted in March: 
they will make a good growth, and 
can be planted out in May. They 
will then get the benefit of two 
months' start. Your Gladioli. Ma 
deria Vines and Tigredias may so be 
treated. 



INDEX. 



Ammonia 


6 


Ammonical Carl). C>i per 


? 


Aquatics 


7 


Alpine Violet 


9 


A gapanthus 


9 


Allium 


10 


Anemones 


12 


Amaryllis Johnson ii 


15 


Amaryllis, not Flowering 


11 


Anios Tuberosa 


24 


Atlhea 


88 


Aster- worni 


39 


Aphis 


36 


Angle-worms 


37 


Ants 


37 


Antirrhinum 


38 


Azaleas 


40 


Bedded Plants 


4 


Barbadoes Spice Lily 


16 


Blue Roses 


is 


Bridal Rose 


18 


Black Spot on Roses 


31 


Boston Ivy 


85 


Border Plants 


88 


Bermuda Lilv 


14 


Black Fly 


34 


Bulbs rotting 


35 


Balsams 


38 



Changing Colors 

Composts 

Commercial Fertilizers 

Clyclamen Seeds 

Clyclamen Bulbs 

Chinese Primroses 

Crocus. Forcing the 

Colchicum 

Callas. Size Pots for 

Callas. Resting of 

Calla. Little (.em 

Calla. White Egyptian 

Callas, for Winter 

Cannas 

Chinese Sacred Lily 

Crinum 

Caladiums 

Colocasias 

Crimson Rambler Rose 

Climbing Roses 

Clothilde Soupert 

Cherokee Rose 

Cissus Heterophylla 

Clematis Paniculata 

Clematis Varieties of 

Clematis, Culture of 

Cinnamon Vine 

Cilmbing Japanese Fei n 

Climbers 

Cobea Scandens 

Cj'press Vine 

Clematis Coccinea 

Cape Jasmine 

Cuttings, starting 

Cold water on plants 

Carnations 

Coleus 

Camellias 

Cactus culture 

Chrysanthemums 

Castor Bean 



PAGE 

Delicate Seeds, starting 4 

Dahlias, Planting out 10 

Dahlias. Wintering 10 

Dwarf Roses 20 
Deutzia irenata 

Damask Rose is 

Delphiniums 39 

Dwarf Convolvulus 39 

Enriching Sandy Soil ?, 

Easter Lilies 14 

Easter Lilv Bulbs 14 

English Ivy 33 

Ensleuia Albida 25 

Earth worms 35 



PAGE 
12 
20 

23 

25 
25 



Frozen Plants 3 

Flower Seeds, sowing 3 

Foliage, watering 4 
Frost bitten Bedded Plants 4 

Frittillaria Maleagris la 

Frittillaria Recurva 12 

Fairy R ses 18 

Fairy Shrub 27 

Fruit bearing Shrub 25 

Fr.rsithia 29 

Filafera Palm 30 

Fern Tray 31 

Fern, Maidenhair 32-33 

Fern, the Sword 31 

Fern, House Culture 33 

Fern, the Hartford 33 

Fern, the Walking 33 

Ferns for Cutting 33 

Freesias 11 

Fumigating Roses 17 

Flame Flower 38 

Fuchsia procumbens 40 

Fuchsias 42 

Gloxinias, Culture of 8 

Gladiolus, Keeping bulbs 10 

Gladiolus, propagation 10 

Gladioli. List of 11 

Golden Band Lily 14 

Guernsey Lily 16 

German Ivy 25 

Grubs in Pots 37 

Godetia 38-40 

Geraniums, culture .,1 40 

Garden Moles ?A 

Green Fly 35 

Heliotrope Cuttings ' 5 

Holland Bulbs 9 

Hermosa Rose 19 

Hardy Tea Roses 20 

Hardy Moon Flower 23 

Hardy Rhododendron 27 

Hybrid Perpetuals 21 

HoyaCarnosa ;»4 

Hop. Japanese -,'4 

Hop. Variegated ^7 

Honeysuckle 26 

Hoya 26 

Hydiangeas 28 

Hardening Palms 32 

Hibiscus Sunset 29 
Heliotrope turning brown 37 

Iris, planting 8 

Ixias. half-hardy 10 



Ixias. varieties of 

Indoor R. >s^< 

Ivy, English 

Ivy, Boston 

I- y, I ierman 

Ivy, Kenilworth 

Ivy cuttings 26 

Ivy, scale on 35 

Ivy-leaf Geranium 42 

Japan. Lilies 13 

Ja minum Grandiflorum £8 

Japanese Desmodium 29 

Kerosene Emulsion 34 

Kenilworth Ivy 25 

Kaffir Lily 15 

Layering Plants 4 

Layering. Manner of 6 

Layering. Season of 6 

Lilv. Japan 13 

Lily. White Day 13 

Lily. Bermuda 14 

Lily. Little Gem Calla 14 

Lilv. Kaffir i r 

Lily. Turk's Cap 15 

Lily, Barbadoes 16 

Lily of the Valley 13-14 

Lilies. Transplanting 13 

Lilies. Water 16 

Lilies. Peruvian 1* 

Lilies. Guernsey 16 

Lilies. WiM 13 

Lilies. Soil for 11; 

Lilium Cacdidum 14 

Lilium Auratum 15 
Lilies. Season for planting 16 

Lice on rosts 36 

Lime water 36 

Lantana • 40 

Manure Water 5 

Manure for plants 7 

Manure, poultry 7 

Monthly Roses" 17 

Mulching rose beds 1 i 

Moss Roses 20 

Mildew on roses 21 

Morning Glories 23 

Manettia Leaf curl 25 

Manettia blight 24 

Madeira vine 25 
Magnolias. Transplanting 29 

Maidenhair Fern 32 

Meal}' Bug 35 

Mignonette 39 

Narcissus n 

Native Spira?as 27 

North window Palm 32 

Nicotians Affinis 39 

Nasturtiums 4.} 

Night Blooming Cereus 44 

Oxalis cernua 12 

Ornamental Gourde 22 

Oleanders 29 

Oleanders, wintering 43 

Orchids 40 

Oxalis 42 



48 



Index. 



Potted plants, soil for 

Plant foliage, watering 

Plants, frost bitten 

Plants, repotting 

Plants, transplanting 

Plants, layering 

Plants, watering in saucers 

Poultry manure 

Planting our I 'ahlias 

Putted roses 

Plumbago capensis 

Pyrus Japonica 

Palms, yellow foliage 

Palms, scale on 

Palms, aesthetic 

Palms from seed 

Palms, varieties of 

Palms, potting 

Palms for house 

Palm seeds 

Petunias and i ed Spider 

Plant Lice 

Preventing Insect Pests 

Pancriatum 

Pansies, sowing 

Primula obconica 

Pomegranate 

Repotting pli 
Replanting perennials 
Ranuculus 

Roses, monthly 
Roses, standard 



AGE 

4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 



10 

17 
22 

30 
30 
30 
31 
32 
32 
32-33 
33 
34 
35 
36 
38 
41 
41 
44 

4 
5 
12 

17 
17 
Roses. Tea 17, 10, 21 

Rose, La France 17 

Rose. Prairie 17 

Rose, Crimson Rambler 17 

Rose. Blue IS 



Rose, Bridal 
Rose. Sunsei 
Hose Damask 
Rose. Fairy 
Rose, Persian 
Rose, Hermosa 
Hose. Sweetbriar 
Rose bed 

Rose beds, mulching 
Roses, pruning 
Roses, climbing 
Ptoses for windows 

Rose Wichuriana 
Roses, ten varieties 
Red Spider 
Rose slug 
Rose bugs 
Red ants 
Roses for garden 
Rock garden 
Ri »se mildew 
Roses, sprinkling 
Rose cuttings 
Repotting Palms 

Show Beds 

Sowing seeds 

Small seeds 

Soil for Pot plants 

Sand 

Special soils 

Spider Lilies 

Scillas 

Stephanotis tloribunda 

Senscio macroglossis 

Solanums 

Slips, starting 

Spireas 



is 

IS 

18 

is 
1* 
19 
21 
lit 
18 
21 
19 
lit 
18 
19 
34-35 
35 
35 
37 
20 
20 
21 
21 
2! 
31 

3 

3 

4 



PACK 

S\ oinga 

Scale 

Scarlet sage 

Salpiglossis i 

Shad hush 

Transplanting 

Transplanting seedlings 

Temperature 

Tuberous Begonias 

Tulips 

Trillium 

Tigridias 

Tea roses 17, 19 

Torenia 24 

Tropa j olum 

Tree fern 

Thrips 

Tobacco tea 

Ten week stock 43 

Vines for verandas 

Vine. Cinnamon 

Virginia creeper 24 

Variegated iiop 

Verbenas 43 

Watering foliage 

Wintering Heliotrope 

Wintering in cellars 6 

Wistarias 

Weigela rosea 29 

White worms 

Winter bloomers 

Yucca 

Yellow Jasmine 



■j; :.'s Zephyranthes 



36 91 



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